Teratogen Information Specialists: Working with Clinicians to Promote Healthy Mothers and Babies

An important component of preconception and prenatal care is access to accurate and individualized risk counseling regarding potentially teratogenic exposures to medications, chemicals, street drugs, alcohol and tobacco. However, it is difficult for health care providers to maintain up-to-date knowledge in this specialty area and/or to devote the time necessary to communicate this information to their patients in a personalized and comprehensive manner. In response to this public health need, since the late 1970's, more than 15 Teratology Information Services have been established in the U.S. and Canada. These Services, known collectively as the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), are comprised of hospital and university-based units who provide toll-free telephone counseling and referral to over 70,000 health care provider and patient callers per year. OTIS services routinely help reduce patient anxiety while aiding the clinician and the patient in making optimum choices regarding necessary treatments during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, during public health crisis situations, such as Hurricane Katrina, OTIS services have been able to respond to the unique concerns that arise in the special population of pregnant women. Increased awareness of and utilization of OTIS services can complement obstetric health care practice.