The paper by Hand et al. (2017) addresses the treatments for opioid use disorder among pregnant and reproductive-age women. They show that the possibility that medical personnel will encounter people with opioid use disorder is rising due to the increased prevalence of the condition and improved access to health insurance. Obstetricians, gynecologists, and other reproductive medicine professionals may be particularly likely to encounter such patients, given the sharp rise in opioid use disorder among women. Hand et al. (2017) claim that understanding how to treat opioid use disorder and their involvement in patients’ care may lead to an increase in treatment referrals, a decrease in stigma, and an improvement in the standard of care for patients. The four overlapping treatment modalities for opioid use disorder are pharmaceutical management, medical care, behavioral/mental health care, and psychosocial support. In this paper, Hand et al. (2017) discuss these areas with a focus on pregnant and reproductive-age women. They found that the best outcomes for patients with opioid use disorders occur when all healthcare professionals coordinate care in a knowledgeable, compassionate manner.
The biggest takeaway from this article is that a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is necessary for pregnant women and women of reproductive age with OUD to receive the best care possible. I have learned that treatment for OUD should include medication management to control drug use, medical attention to protect the patient’s physical health, and mental health treatment to address underlying cognitive and behavioral issues. In addition, co-occurring psychiatric disorders and psychosocial support, including parenting education and support, childcare, transportation, and nutrition, as well as reproductive health and food, are needed. Knowing the complexity of the issue will guide me in the future to work with women to encounter other medical professionals in dealing with OUD treatment.
Reference
Hand, D. J., Short, V. L., & Abatemarco, D. J. (2017). Treatments for opioid use disorder among pregnant and reproductive-aged women. Fertility and Sterility, 108(2), 222-227. Web.