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
Project
Recommended Citation
Chimienti, Julia Nicole, "Improving Access to Contraception in a Treatment Program for Opioid Use Disorder" (2023). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 129.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/129