U.S. Survey of Shared Decision Making Use for Treating Pregnant Women Presenting with Opioid Use Disorder

Background: The incidence of pregnant women with an opioid use disorder (PWOUD) at delivery has quadrupled since 1999. State-specific statutes regarding PWOUD often pose punitive measures to the mother-infant dyad, involving the child welfare and criminal justice systems. Shared decision making (SDM) assists individuals through complex health and recovery processes. Objectives: To determine use of SDM in treating PWOUD and associated factors and to quantify physicians' review and discussion of child welfare statutes. Methods: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) e-mailed the survey to a random sample of members, with 568 responding. Bivariate analyses to identify factors associated with each outcome were performed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests or Fisher's Exact tests. Variables yielding p values < .20 were included in initial logistic regression models; the final model included only significant (<.05) variables. Results: Sixty-one percent used SDM most of the time. Logistic regression indicated that those using SDM were more likely to have had training in substance use disorder and felt prepared for caring for PWOUD; 39% reviewed statutes, and 54% discussed them with PWOUDs. Conclusion: Survey results provide evidence for patient-centered care approaches that support PWOUD involvement in treatment decision making. The SDM model provides an empowerment framework for women to be involved in the process during their pregnancies and opioid use disorder treatments. Future studies might assess the effectiveness of SDM dialogs with PWOUD and evaluate CME training and medical curricula regarding the SDM model.