Participant Perception of an Integrated Program for Substance Abuse in Pregnancy

Objective To assess participant perception of an integrated model of care for substance abuse in pregnancy. Design Focus groups were employed for this qualitative study. Setting Two Family Medicine Units, 1 in Toronto and 1 in Montreal, where integrated care for licit and illicit substance abuse in pregnancy is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers. Participants Women who had received addiction and prenatal care at 1 of the 2 sites. Methods Women were asked to discuss their experiences of care in focus groups. Results Five central themes emerged: judgment, physician-patient communication, team communication, support groups, and self-responsibility. Conclusion Women felt more comfortable with provider teams that shared a consistent nonjudgmental attitude.