Innovative Teaching Approaches to Integrating Substance Use Disorder Training into Midwifery and Women's Health Nurse...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Substance use disorder (SUD) is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated mortality in Illinois.
• There is a critical need for specialized education in SUD and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) within midwifery programs.
• Health disparities persist in rural and underserved communities regarding SUD care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an innovative approach for integrating SUD and MOUD education into midwifery programs.
• To enhance clinical learning opportunities through community outreach and preceptor relationships.
• To prepare the midwifery workforce for addressing SUD in diverse patient populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a multimodality educational strategy including an online platform for foundational knowledge.
• Expanding clinical partnerships with MOUD providers for experiential learning.
• Incorporating community outreach to identify and serve vulnerable populations.
• Fostering enhanced preceptor relationships to strengthen educational partnerships.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of SUD and MOUD education into midwifery curricula.
• Development of new experiential clinical learning opportunities via community outreach.
• Strengthened educational partnerships with MOUD providers.
• Preparation of midwifery students with essential clinical skills for SUD management.

Conclusions:

• An innovative, midwifery-led educational model effectively addresses SUD and MOUD.
• This approach enhances culturally aligned care for vulnerable and underserved communities.
• The program equips future midwives to manage SUD, reducing health disparities.
• This model is scalable for national implementation to improve maternal health outcomes.