Lessons Learned From the Implementation of an Integrated Prenatal Opioid Use Disorder Program

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Addiction Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Opioid use disorder is a leading cause of death for pregnant individuals in urban areas.
• Integrated services are crucial for addressing the complex needs of pregnant people with opioid use disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate lessons learned from implementing integrated prenatal and opioid use disorder services.
• To assess the feasibility and impact of a multipronged approach to service integration.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary team implemented an integrated care program using plan-do-study-act cycles.
• Partnerships were established with local harm reduction, substance use treatment, and community outreach programs.
• Referral guides and patient education materials were developed and distributed to community partners.

Main Results:

• Three patients were initiated on medication for opioid use disorder within 18 weeks of enhanced integration.
• Two of these patients were referred from targeted outreach agencies.
• Community partners found referral guides easy to use and harm reduction information valuable.

Conclusions:

• Integrated prenatal and opioid use disorder care is feasible in urban community health centers.
• Barriers like community unawareness and stigma can impede engagement.
• Sustained collaboration with community partners is vital for program development and linkage to care, potentially improving maternal and fetal outcomes.