Considerations in Perinatal Substance Use Treatment: Patient Education and Ethical Issues-1.26.24 MACS webinar slides

1.26.24 MACS webinar slides

Pdf Summary

The document discusses various considerations in perinatal substance use treatment, with a focus on patient education and ethical issues. It highlights the services provided by the Maryland Addiction Consultation Service for Maternal Opioid Misuse (MACS for MOMs), which offers phone consultations, education and training opportunities, assistance with addiction resources, and TeleECHO Clinics for medical education. The document emphasizes the importance of recognizing legal and ethical barriers in perinatal substance use treatment and discusses ways to mitigate these issues. It also emphasizes the need for patient and family education in perinatal substance use treatment, particularly for overdose prevention.<br /><br />The document delves into the historical context of the criminalization of pregnancy and the impact of personhood laws. It discusses the misconceptions surrounding "crack babies" and the negative consequences of media frenzies. It also explores the purpose and timing of drug testing during prenatal care, as well as the challenges in interpreting test results. The document unpacks the laws around reporting substance-exposed newborns and emphasizes the need for thoughtful testing policies that avoid further stigmatization and fear of disclosure.<br /><br />The document highlights the harms of policies that discourage pregnant individuals from seeking care and the importance of providing nonjudgmental care and support. It emphasizes the benefits of engaging in prenatal care regardless of drug use and argues against prosecuting pregnant individuals, stating that addiction is a medical issue that requires treatment rather than punishment.<br /><br />The document also discusses the laws and regulations regarding prescribing medications for opioid use disorder (OUD), such as the removal of the requirement for X Waivers and the ability to prescribe after telehealth visits. It emphasizes the need for family education and addresses the stigma surrounding medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the importance of continued treatment postpartum.<br /><br />Lastly, the document covers overdose prevention strategies, including the distribution of naloxone. It provides options for naloxone distribution and emphasizes the importance of naloxone education and its role in decreasing overdose deaths.<br /><br />Overall, the document emphasizes the need for comprehensive and compassionate care for pregnant individuals with substance use disorders, addressing legal and ethical considerations, patient education, and overdose prevention.

Keywords

perinatal substance use treatment

patient education

ethical issues

Maryland Addiction Consultation Service for Maternal Opioid Misuse

prenatal drug testing

substance-exposed newborns

medications for opioid use disorder

overdose prevention

nonjudgmental care

naloxone distribution