COUNSELING REGARDING PREGNANCY- RELATED DRUG EXPOSURES BY FAMILY PHYSICIANS IN ONTARIO

Main Article Content

Jodi Goodwin
Scott Rieder
Michael J Rieder
Doreen Matsui

Keywords

Family physicians, counseling, information, drugs, pregnancy

Abstract

Background


Family physicians may play a significant role in providing information to their patients on the effects of medication exposure during pregnancy. Women must receive accurate information, as unrealistic perception of teratogenic risk may lead to inadequate treatment of maternal disease or termination of otherwise wanted pregnancies.


 Objectives


To  collect  data  on  the  current  practices  of  family  physicians  in  providing  information  regarding pregnancy-related  drug  exposures,  in  particular,  their  confidence  in  providing  counseling  and  their sources of information.


 Methods


A mailed survey was sent to a random sample of family physicians in Ontario. Outcome measures included the proportion of family physicians that feel confident in providing counseling regarding drugs in pregnancy, most common resources, barriers to counseling and preferences for future educational programs.


 Results


Of the 756 surveys, 400 (53%) were returned, 265 (66%) by practicing physicians caring for women of childbearing age. Most (80.3%) felt confident in providing counseling, though a majority (56%) stated that available sources of information are not adequate. The most commonly consulted source was the Motherisk Program (62%). Lack of evidence-based information was cited as the major barrier.


 Conclusions


Although family physicians were confident in providing counseling to pregnant patients with regards to drug use, more than one-half thought that the available sources of information are not adequate. The dissemination of more evidence-based information in this field is needed.

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