Author: Hall J L and van Teijlingen E R
Journal: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2006
Volume/pages: Vol 6(19)

About the study
In this Scottish study, the authors used questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary, specialist clinic for drug-using pregnant women. The clinic team included an obstetrician, a community midwife, a social worker and a drugs worker from a voluntary drugs service. Twelve women of a possible forty who had had a baby in the previous three years and had had contact with the clinic took part in the study.

Findings
Even though a majority were initially apprehensive about going to the clinic, all of the participants preferred it to the prenatal care at their GP practice and reported that they felt confident in the information and treatment they received there. The women attributed their reduction in drug use largely to the clinic, although the authors reported that having the support of a partner or parent was another important factor in helping to reduce drug use. There were a small number of breaches of confidentiality reported which were upsetting for the women concerned.

Key messages

• It is possible to provide effective and non-judgmental multidisciplinary care to a group requiring particular sensitivity, such as drug-using pregnant women, but great attention must be given to ensuring confidentiality
• A multidisciplinary clinic or “one stop shop” is a useful way of meeting the various health and social care needs of a group with complex requirements
• In a multidisciplinary service, patients and service users appreciate consistency of staff, accessible and timely support, and high quality, reliable information