Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ practice patterns related to opioid use during pregnancy and postpartum - United States, 2017

OBJECTIVE: To describe obstetrician-gynecologists’ practices and attitudes related to opioid use among pregnant and postpartum women. STUDY DESIGN: A 2017 cross-sectional survey assessed U.S. obstetrician-gynecologists’ (n=462; response rate=34%) practices (management) and attitudes (knowledge, preparedness, confidence, barriers, and resources needed) related to opioid use among pregnant and postpartum women. Modified Poisson regression determined adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for advising medication assisted therapy (MAT) for pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) by knowledge, confidence, and preparedness. RESULTS: Of respondents, 33% usually or always advised MAT to pregnant women with OUD. Confidence in treating pregnant women who use opioids (aPR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8) and knowledge that substance use services were covered under the Affordable Care Act (aPR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8) were associated with advising MAT. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that efforts are needed to enhance physician confidence to manage pregnant and postpartum patients who use opioids, which may increase optimal care of this patient population.