Based at the Maternity Centre of Hamilton, the Program for Substance Use in Pregnancy (PROSPR) is a unique, integrated model of care delivering prenatal, postpartum and addictions medicine care for pregnant patients with substance use disorders.
PROSPR uses a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to help serve this medically complex and hard to reach population, many of whom have multiple intersecting medical and psychosocial needs. PROSPR utilizes a low-barrier approach that includes weekly drop-in visits, and robust coordination with hospital and community partners. The multidisciplinary care team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and system navigators, all working collaboratively to address patients’ clinical and social needs like treatment for mental health and addictions, housing assistance, help with applying to benefit programs, and system navigation.
The current study, led by Suzanne Turner and Claudia Steffler, is a retrospective chart review describing PROSPR patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, social and medical complexities, and clinical care needs, while also exploring indicators of patient benefit. The chart review phase is now complete, with emerging evidence suggesting that PROSPR may be helping patients meet prenatal care recommendations and benchmarks and improving pregnancy outcomes. The team is currently preparing the final manuscript for journal submission.
Project Leads: Suzanne Turner, Claudia Steffler Contact: Karla Freeman (karla.freeman@mcmaster.ca)
Research Project Update