A Digitally Enhanced Model of Peer Doula Support for Substance Use Disorder and Peripartum Care
Trustees of Dartmouth College
Summary
The goal of this pilot study is to learn if a digitally enhanced peer doula program for people with perinatal substance use disorders (PSUD) is feasible and acceptable to patients and staff at two clinics. Participants will include staff members, such as healthcare providers, recovery support doulas, and administrators, who work at one of the two clinics. It will also include PSUD patients receiving care through the digitally enhanced peer doula program. Participants will be asked to complete short surveys and take part in a one-time interview with research staff. This study will also explore engagement in perinatal substance use disorder treatment and prenatal and postpartum visits.
Description
Over the past two decades, rates of substance use during pregnancy have increased fourfold. Overdose is a leading cause of mortality among patients with perinatal substance use disorders (PSUD). Interventions to address SUD during pregnancy and postpartum are critical to reduce mortality and the impact of SUD-related harms for parents and their infants. Engagement in SUD and perinatal care can improve outcomes for PSUD and their infants, including reducing the risks of preterm delivery and low birthweight. Rates of adequate prenatal care receipt are low for PSUDs, with one recent study estima…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Staff Participant Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age or older. 2. Employed by the participating clinic site and identified as care providers and/or administrative staff. Clinic roles may include: 1. Provider (including MD, CNM, DO, PA, NP, nurse, medical assistant, behavioral health clinician, social worker, lactation consultant and/or other clinical roles that provide care to patients). 2. Peer doulas. 3. Administrator (including front desk staff, scheduler, clinic and/or team manager). 4. Site leadership. 3. Able to speak English sufficiently to understand the study and, h…
Interventions
- OtherDigitally Enhanced Peer Doula Model of Care
In the digitally enhanced peer doula model of care, patients with perinatal substance use disorder are partnered with a recovery support peer doula who is able to provide synchronous or asynchronous support. This support can include in-person and text-based and/or telehealth support, in addition to assistance scheduling and arranging transport to appointments for both SUD and peripartum care, and assisting with access to food, transportation and housing. Additionally, these patients are offered a free smartphone and data plan for pregnancy and one-year postpartum.
Locations (2)
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanon, New Hampshire
- The OHSU MEADOWLARK Program (MEntal health and ADdiction integrated for Obstetric Wellness)Portland, Oregon