NAS Research Projects
In September 2013, the Tennessee Department of Health convened a group of stakeholders to identify key research questions that, if answered, could help to reduce the burden of NAS in Tennessee. The group identified five key questions:
- Is it possible to develop a model to predict which mothers are most at risk for delivering a baby with NAS?
- What is the optimal management of a pregnant woman who is using opioid medications in order to minimize risk to the baby and minimize risk of the baby developing NAS?
- What is the optimal management of an infant with NAS?
- What are key strategies for changing provider knowledge and behavior?
- How can contraceptive use be increased among opioid-using women?
In December 2013, the Department released a request for applications to solicit research proposals related to these questions. Proposals were selected through a competitive process and five Tennessee teams were awarded small grants to address the research questions. A study summary and final report for each project are provided below.
| Key Question | Research Team and Project Title | Study Summary | Final Project Report |
|---|---|---|---|
Is it possible to develop a model to predict which mothers are most at risk for delivering a baby with NAS? |
Vanderbilt University Medical Center "Prescription Opioid Prescribing Patterns as Predictors of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome" |
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What is the optimal management of a pregnant woman who is using opioid medications in order to minimize risk to the baby and minimize risk of the baby developing NAS? |
Cherokee Health Systems "Management of Opiate Addicted Pregnant Women to Decrease Incidence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome" |
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What is the optimal management of an infant with NAS? |
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing "Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Management Trends in Tennessee" |
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What are key strategies for changing provider knowledge and behavior? |
East Tennessee State University "Improving Tennessee Health Care Providers Understanding of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome" |
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How can contraceptive use be increased among opioid-using women? |
Knox County Health Department "Risk and Facilitating Factors of Contraception Use Among Female Methadone Clinic Patients, Ages 18-45" |