7 - Assessing the Training Needs of Medical Assistants to Support Health Care Providers in Addressing Substance Use in Pregnant and Post-Partum Patients

Abstract Information: Substance use during pregnancy has lifelong impacts on the physical, social, and behavioral development of a child. Medical assistants serve an important vital role in patient care, building connections between physicians and patients. Increasing their knowledge regarding the impacts of prenatal alcohol/other substance use and their comfort levels discussing substance use can enhance their ability to provide education and resources to patients. The Medical Assistantship Partnership for Healthy Pregnancies and Families (MAP), funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducted a workforce needs assessment in its first year to understand the current practices of medical assistants in the field and to understand training topic needs that MAP can address. One-third of respondents reported never talking to their patients about substance use; not feeling comfortable talking to their patients about excessive substance use; and not working in a practice that has a protocol to screen for excessive alcohol/other substance use. One-quarter reported their practice did not follow-up a positive screening with an intervention. Differences were seen in responses by community type, with those employed in urban/suburban areas having higher reported screening protocols and interventions compared to those serving rural/frontier areas. Over 90% of respondents reported that they were likely to attend a training on any substance. Results will be used to guide training topic selection throughout the grant.