Abstract
Objective:
This study examined whether adopting a standardized prenatal substance use protocol (protocol) in a hospital labor and delivery unit reduced racial disparities in reporting to child protective services (CPS) related to maternal drug use during pregnancy.
Study design:
This study used an interrupted time series design with a non-equivalent control. One hospital adopted a protocol and another hospital group serving a similar geographic population did not change protocols. Data on CPS reporting disparities from these hospitals over 3.5 years were analyzed using segmented regression.
Result:
In the hospital that adopted the protocol, almost five times more black than white newborns were reported during the study period. Adopting the protocol was not associated with reduced disparities.
Conclusion:
Adopting a protocol cannot be assumed to reduce CPS reporting disparities. Efforts to encourage hospitals to adopt protocols as a strategy to reduce disparities may be misguided. Other strategies to reduce disparities are needed.
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Acknowledgements
This study was supported by a grant from the University of California, San Francisco’s Academic Senate Committee on Research.
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Roberts, S., Zahnd, E., Sufrin, C. et al. Does adopting a prenatal substance use protocol reduce racial disparities in CPS reporting related to maternal drug use? A California case study. J Perinatol 35, 146–150 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2014.168
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2014.168
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