Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116129

Toni Primas, RN CARN¹, Judy Donlen, RN, DNSc, JD², Barbara May, BSN MPH², and Suzanne Kinkle, BS RN CARN CPAS¹. (1) Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project, Southern NJ Perinatal Cooperative, 2500 McClellan Avenue, Suite 250, Pennsauken, NJ 08109-4613, 856 665-6000, tprimas@snjpc.org, (2) Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative, 2500 McClellan Avenue, Suite 250, Pennsauken, NJ 08109

The presentation will describe steps taken and barriers encountered during the implementation of a uniform screening tool in Southern New Jersey public prenatal clinics. The evidence-based 4 P's Plus Screening Tool was specifically designed to identify pregnant women at risk for substance use and domestic violence. Outcomes achieved in this regional screening process, which began in October 2003, include: 1) the screening of over 10,000 women for risk factors that require further assessment and referral 2) development of linkages with community domestic violence and substance abuse treatment centers in each county that assess and provide specialized services for pregnant women and their families. 3)Through this linkage, the establishment of a comprehensive and collaborative approach to health care for pregnant women at risk and 4) A quality assurance review process to insure consistent use of the screening tool in prenatal clinics. The presenters will describe the process used to engage providers in the use of the tool and will offer lessons learned during the implementation process. The presenters will also challenge the audience with interactive problem solving scenarios, similar to those encountered by the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative during the implementation phase.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner)in this session will be able to

• Describe the benefits of establishing a uniform screening tool in public prenatal clinics to identify women at risk for substance use and domestic violence.
• Identify barriers to implementing a uniform screening tool.
• Identify the need for a quality assurance monitoring process within a screening/referral system.

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Prenatal Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.