Multi-Level Approaches to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention Education and Training for Health...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Education
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a leading preventable cause of lifelong intellectual and developmental disabilities in the U.S.
• Healthcare teams are crucial for FASD prevention but often lack adequate preparedness and training.
• Existing healthcare provider training for FASD prevention needs adaptation to specific settings and challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore diverse educational and training approaches for healthcare providers in FASD prevention.
• To analyze adaptations made by six CDC-funded programs to meet specific needs and overcome pandemic-related challenges.
• To identify transferable solutions and lessons learned for similar educational initiatives.

Main Methods:

• In-depth description and comparative analysis of training models used by six CDC-funded programs.
• Examination of challenges encountered and adaptations implemented within each model.
• Highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration and review for practical insights.

Main Results:

• Varied methods were employed for FASD education based on program structure and purpose, including staff training and broad professional awareness campaigns.
• Programs adapted content and delivery (e.g., online, social media) to address challenges like COVID-19, staff shortages, and discomfort.
• Ongoing improvements were made to training content and delivery modalities in response to identified issues.

Conclusions:

• FASD prevention education faces significant challenges, including stigma, discomfort, and misinformation.
• The examined programs employed various strategies to navigate these obstacles.
• Adaptable models and lessons learned can inform future FASD prevention training initiatives.