Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Educational Content in US Midwifery Training Programs: A Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Perinatal substance use disorders (PSUDs) are a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. This study aims to assess the incorporation of PSUD training in midwifery education programs and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing midwifery training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to US certified nurse-midwifery and certified midwifery education program directors regarding the didactic and clinical education their students received. Results: There were 35 of 39 programs that responded to the survey. Findings indicate that most midwifery programs provide didactic content, but less than half of midwifery programs provide clinical experiences for their students. Most programs provide didactic content covering nicotine and tobacco cessation, perinatal alcohol use, epidemiology of substance use disorders, and screening for substance use disorders. Discussion: Program directors identified several barriers to enhanced PSUD education and clinical experience for their students, including lack of dedicated perinatal addiction clinicians, lack of faculty expertise, lack of time in the curriculum, and lack of time by faculty, among others.