‘We do what we can as soon as we can’ Alcohol and Other Drug workforce perspectives on preventing and responding to prenatal alcohol exposure

Abstract

Evidence based strategies are needed to enhance the ability of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and harms including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In Australia FASD prevention research has largely focused on primary care and child development sectors, while little research has been conducted with AOD services providing comprehensive support to high risk women. This study interviewed 26 staff from 18 organizations involved in referral and co-ordination, case management, or treatment and support services for women with (or at high risk of) PAE in the Greater Newcastle region in Australia. Interviews with service workers indicated a significant appreciation of the psychosocial complexities related to substance misuse in pregnancy, a highly skilled approach to harm reduction, and a sector going to extraordinary lengths to overcome the disadvantages faced by women including gaps in service provision. These results are discussed in light of recommendations to support AOD services to reduce the harms of PAE.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• prevention
• harm reduction
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• service delivery
• qualitative research
• women’s alcohol use

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the dedicated staff who participated in this research study and the expertise provided by the Local Drug Action Team in Newcastle whose members included Tony Brown (LDAT Chair), Elvira Johnson (Mercy Services), Dr Murray Webber (Clinical Lead, Pediatrics HNE Kids Health, John Hunter Children's Hospital), Conjoint Associate Professor Adrian Dunlop (Hunter New England Health District and University of Newcastle), Deborah Rowe (Youth Justice Conference Convenor), and Catherine Norman (LDAT Secretary), for their continued advice throughout the life of the project.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Notes

1 Making FASD History: A multi-site prevention program https://alcoholpregnancy.telethonkids.org.au/our-research/research-projects/making-fasd-history-multi-sites/

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the Australian Federal Department of Health for funding this research to support FASD Prevention in Newcastle [grant number H1617G038].