Erin Knight1, Rebecca L Butcher2, Mary Kay Jankowski3. 1. Center for Program Design and Evaluation, Geisel School of Medicine At Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, One Medical Center Drive, WTRB 539AB, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA. erin.m.knight-zhang@dartmouth.edu. 2. Center for Program Design and Evaluation, Geisel School of Medicine At Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, One Medical Center Drive, WTRB 539AB, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA. 3. Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine At Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The use of illicit substances, including opioids, is a serious public health issue in the United States. While there are reports of the impact of the ongoing opioid crisis on adults, a new focus has emerged on how parental substance misuse (PSM) affects children. This study explored existing screening and assessment practices and services for children and families affected by PSM across different service sectors in one state. The purpose of the study was to identify opportunities for training, policy development, and practice improvement related to identifying PSM and linking children and parents to services. METHODS: Interviews (n = 15) with professionals from five service sectors (mental health, primary care, schools, community programs, and law enforcement) were used to inform development of a state-wide survey of the same groups (n = 498) to assess current practices, attitudes, knowledge, and training needs related to child screening of PSM. The survey was piloted using cognitive interviewing (n = 9) before it was distributed. RESULTS: Fewer than 20% of survey respondents reported using standardized tools specific to screening PSM. Informal assessment practices predominate, though 60% of respondents saw value in adopting more standardized PSM screening. Attitudes about PSM and screening varied among sectors but interest in training was high. DISCUSSION: Results indicate a need for more systematic PSM screening, cross-sector training and practice discussions, and policies to support early identification of children affected by PSM. Ramifications of these findings and recommendations are discussed.
INTRODUCTION: The use of illicit substances, including opioids, is a serious public health issue in the United States. While there are reports of the impact of the ongoing opioid crisis on adults, a new focus has emerged on how parental substance misuse (PSM) affects children. This study explored existing screening and assessment practices and services for children and families affected by PSM across different service sectors in one state. The purpose of the study was to identify opportunities for training, policy development, and practice improvement related to identifying PSM and linking children and parents to services. METHODS: Interviews (n = 15) with professionals from five service sectors (mental health, primary care, schools, community programs, and law enforcement) were used to inform development of a state-wide survey of the same groups (n = 498) to assess current practices, attitudes, knowledge, and training needs related to child screening of PSM. The survey was piloted using cognitive interviewing (n = 9) before it was distributed. RESULTS: Fewer than 20% of survey respondents reported using standardized tools specific to screening PSM. Informal assessment practices predominate, though 60% of respondents saw value in adopting more standardized PSM screening. Attitudes about PSM and screening varied among sectors but interest in training was high. DISCUSSION: Results indicate a need for more systematic PSM screening, cross-sector training and practice discussions, and policies to support early identification of children affected by PSM. Ramifications of these findings and recommendations are discussed.
Authors: Kelly C Young-Wolff; Lue-Yen Tucker; Mary Anne Armstrong; Amy Conway; Constance Weisner; Nancy Goler Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2020-04
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Authors: V J Felitti; R F Anda; D Nordenberg; D F Williamson; A M Spitz; V Edwards; M P Koss; J S Marks Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 1998-05 Impact factor: 5.043