With a focus on supporting enhanced care for pregnant women who use substances, Drs. Sarah Lea and Heather McEwen hosted an evening event for family physicians, midwives, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, pediatricians, obstetricians, and addiction medicine specialists. The goals of the session were to provide information about substance use and its impact on pregnancy, connect and network primary maternity care providers with specialist addictions care providers, gain understanding of current resources and limitations in Victoria for women who use substances, and generate consensus on further development of future resources.
Professionals with expertise in this patient population presented invaluable information to attendees. Networking, case work, and discussions rounded out the evening.
Thanks to this engagement event, a core group of providers is developing identified outreach programs that are not currently being provided. There is also a greater awareness among the professional community about each other’s areas of expertise, with an increase in referrals to ‘the right’ care providers: Patients are being supported by those who are best able to serve them.
Drs. McEwen and Lea hope to continue to bring this group together, for learning, networking, and professional support.