Date of Publication

2023

Project Team

Dr. Carol Buck-Rolland, EdD, APRN, PNP

Abstract

Background: Up to 80% of all pregnancies are unintended in pregnancy-capable individuals who are in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) (Meschke et al., 2018). This is higher than the national average and highlights a gap in care. Although the use of contraceptives and family planning can decrease unintended pregnancy, they are used in less than 50% of pregnancy-capable individuals receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) (Melbostad et al., 2020). Pregnancy-capable individuals describe unique barriers to accessing contraception (Sobel et al., 2021). Co-location of family planning services in MOUD programs is one way to decrease barriers to care (Hurley et al., 2020).

Methods: This project developed and implemented a protocol that included screening, education, and treatment plans for family planning in pregnancy-capable individuals enrolled in a MOUD program in the Northeast of the United States. This protocol was integrated into follow-up visits during the 6-week implementation period. Outcomes of interest were collected through a patient eligibility survey, provider outcome survey, and patient satisfaction survey.

Results: Of the 52 scheduled clients, 21 participated in the eligibility survey. Four people were eligible for the intervention. All four eligible patients were engaged in contraception counseling with a provider. One participant received a prescription for oral contraceptive pills. No referrals were made to collaborating gynecological providers.

Conclusions: 81% ineligibility indicates low need for this service at this clinic currently. The workflow developed was successful since all eligible patients received counseling and one person received a new contraception method during the implementation period. Patient satisfaction with counseling was high, as indicated by the patient satisfaction survey.

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Available for download on Thursday, May 01, 2025

Included in

Nursing Commons

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