Physicians Assessment Project

Out of 10, 657 births per day in the United States, 1 will be HIV positive, 2 will have Muscular Dystrophy, 4 will have Spina Bifida, and 10 will have Down's Syndrome, but 20 will have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and 100 will have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Perinatal alcohol and drug use contributes to a myriad of birth defects, prematurity, and infant mortality in the nation and the Commonwealth. Therefore, it is critical that medical professionals receive appropriate education and training about this issue and learn how to address substance abuse with their patients, especially pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Despite statewide efforts to encourage universal screening and educate medical providers about the detrimental effects of perinatal substance abuse, there is still much work to be done. The University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse is requesting funding from the March of Dimes to conduct a Physician Assessment Project. The project will survey Obstetrician/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) throughout Kentucky and 4th year medical students at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine about their knowledge, attitudes, and opinions about perinatal substance abuse, in addition to their current screening practices. Web-based and mail survey methods and focus groups will be utilized, with the following target rates for participation: • 60% of 4th year medical students to equal approximately 60 student surveys • 60% ofKMA identified OB/GYNs to equal approximately 180 provider surveys • 4 focus groups with 6 participants each to equal 24 focus group participants The results of the study will be compiled in a report that will be disseminated to key state policy makers and community health care and other service providers. The project hopes to achieve the following goals: • To obtain information about physician knowledge and attitudes related to perinatal substance abuse • To understand barriers to physician understanding of the risks of perinatal substance abuse • To collect feedback on how to best train physicians about perinatal substance abuse • To assess the level of understanding of physician's knowledge of programs and policies specific to Kentucky