Study identifies functions to expect from interdisciplinary care teams delivering whole person substance use disorder care for pregnant people

Original Research

Study Identifies Functions to Expect From Interdisciplinary Care Teams Delivering Whole Person Substance Use Disorder Care for Pregnant People 

Background and Goal: This study set out to identify the professionals, roles, and core functions of interdisciplinary teams that serve pregnant people with substance use disorders and describe how those functions are organized across different settings. 

Study Approach: Researchers conducted a qualitative observational study in Oregon at seven organizations that implemented Project Nurture and Nurture Oregon, integrated team-based care models that bring medical, behavioral health and substance use treatment services together to provide care for pregnant people with substance use disorders. From 2021 to 2024, researchers observed 119 program meetings, conducted six in-person site visits, and held 66 semi-structured interviews with leaders and team members. 

Main Results:

• The seven organizations varied in ownership, type (medical, substance use treatment, behavioral health), and rurality.

• Researchers identified 14 core functions grouped into five areas: medical care, behavioral health care, coordination and resources, support and engagement, and quality-improvement leadership.

• Functions were carried out by family physicians or certified nurse midwives, registered nurses, medical assistants, licensed clinical social workers, certified alcohol and drug counselors, peer support professionals, and doulas.

• All teams provided care coordination, outreach and engagement, referral to specialists, transitional care, community resource connection, social and emotional support, advocacy, and quality improvement activity.

• Only one behavioral health and one substance use treatment organization carried out the medical care functions; one of these organizations had a family physician on the team. 

Why It Matters: The study findings identify functions that state leaders and policy makers, payers, health care organizations leaders and individuals should expect from an interdisciplinary care team delivering whole person substance use disorder care to pregnant people.  

Permanent link: Functions of Interdisciplinary Primary Care Teams That Support Pregnant People With Substance Use Disorders 

Deborah J. Cohen, PhD, et al

Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon