Opioid Exposed Mothers and Infants in Delaware: Clinical and Legal Considerations

Authors

Michele K. Savin, MSN, NNP-BC, School of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
David A. Paul, MD, Christiana Care Health SystemFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2016

Comments

This article was published in Delaware Medical Journal. Volume 88, Issue 4, April 2016, Pages 110-114.

Copyright © Medical Society of Delaware

Abstract

Drug use is on the rise in Delaware, as demonstrated by the continued increase in infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Thoughful, evidence based, and coordinated approaches are necessary to impact this problem. There is solid evidence that mothers and infants who remain together have improved outcomes. Professional medical and nursing societies are unanimous in support of non-punitive approaches to care. Medical Professionals, legislators, and society in general would benefit from ongoing education on the addiction disease process in order to best care for the increasing number of mother/baby dyads with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Recommended Citation

Savin, MSN, NNP-BC, Michele K. and Paul, MD, David A., "Opioid Exposed Mothers and Infants in Delaware: Clinical and Legal Considerations" (2016). College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations. Paper 83.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/nursfp/83