Caring for a baby with drug withdrawal symptoms. Version One

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Service user and service provider accounts of managing the risks and realities of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: an exploratory study in Lothian.

  • IRAS ID

    158329

  • Contact name

    Anne Whittaker

  • Contact email

    A.Whittaker@napier.ac.uk

  • Research summary

    Neonatal drug withdrawal symptoms, also known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), is a common condition seen in infants born to mothers who are dependent on certain drugs (e.g. those addicted to heroin and methadone). NAS varies in onset, duration and severity. Babies normally develop symptoms within the first few days following birth, and those who develop severe symptoms can be unwell and very difficult to look after for days, weeks or even months. NAS can have an adverse effect on parent-infant bonding and the longer term development of the baby.

    NAS is a stigmatising diagnosis and an emotive subject which continues to spark debate. A lack of consensus on how best to manage the infant, mother-infant dyad, wider family, and caregiving environment has led to differing local policies and practices, with little evidence on related outcomes. Consequently, NAS is a recurring topic of concern for both parents and professionals.

    This qualitative study aims to explore parent and professional accounts of managing NAS in order to identify barriers and facilitators to good quality family-centred care. The study will be conducted in Lothian over a 12 month period and will involve interviews with 20 parents and focus groups with 20 professionals. Drug dependent mothers and their partners (who may or may not have a drug problem), will be recruited via healthcare professionals. Parents will be interviewed when their infant is between 3 days old and 3 months old. Three multidisciplinary focus groups will include health and social care practitioners who normally work together to provide care for these families. Data will be analysed using a narrative approach to identify key issues and themes as well as implications for policy, practice and research. Findings will inform service improvement initiatives in relation to vulnerable children and families affected by drug misuse.

  • REC name

    South East Scotland REC 02

  • REC reference

    14/SS/1030

  • Date of REC Opinion

    28 Aug 2014

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion