Maternal Perceptions of Group Well Child Care for Mothers With Opioid Use Disorder

Authors

• Regan King, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Taylor Carrubba, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Erica Sood, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Meghan Gannon, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Vanessa Short, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Neera Goyal, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction/Purpose: Routine well child care (WCC) is critical for monitoring growth, development, and family wellbeing. Children born to mothers with opioid use disorder are less likely to receive adequate WCC, contributing to preventable health disparities. A Philadelphia-based substance use treatment program provides comprehensive care for pregnant and parenting individuals with substance use disorders, including an on-site pilot group- based WCC model designed to enhance access to and quality of WCC.

Methods: As part of a larger cluster-randomized controlled trial comparing traditional WCC with the group WCC model, qualitative interviews were conducted with ten mothers who completed three or more group WCC sessions. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and independently coded by three reviewers and discrepancies were discussed and resolved. Codes were categorized as facilitators, barriers, or recommendations, and themes reported by at least three participants were retained to represent common perceptions of the group WCC experience.

Results/Conclusions: Mothers identified several facilitators of group WCC, including group support, program convenience, attention to maternal wellbeing, clear communication with clinicians, and useful programming. Reported barriers included limited individualized time and inaccessibility of program materials, though many participants reported no barriers. Recommendations focused on increased programming and increased accessibility and ease of materials. Overall, mothers reported that the group WCC model improved their care experience relative to traditional WCC, particularly through enhanced support and strong clinician communication. Despite largely positive feedback, addressing identified barriers and participant recommendations will be essential to optimizing the model. Future work should involve larger cohorts to strengthen generalizability and guide long-term implementation.

Recommended Citation

King, Regan; Carrubba, Taylor; Sood, Erica; Gannon, Meghan; Short, Vanessa; and Goyal, Neera, "Maternal Perceptions of Group Well Child Care for Mothers With Opioid Use Disorder" (2026). Phase 1. Paper 9.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/si_ctr_2028_phase1/9

Language

English