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The title of this article captures very well the urgent need for a change in clinical practice regarding neonatal abstinence syndrome ( NAS ). The Canadian Paediatric Society’s Fetus and Newborn Committee’s ( CPS ) Clinical Practice Point addresses clinical concerns about the increase in NAS as a result of newborn infant drug withdrawal from maternal opioid use in Canada today. (1) The CPS suggestions are an important step forward in supporting a more holistic approach to the management of NAS by advocating a model of ‘rooming – in’ care for parents and families, advising less emphasis on pharmacotherapy, and highlighting the need for comprehensive discharge planning in this situation. The Practice Point does not elaborate on the requirements involved in implementing changes in perinatal care to make these suggestions a reality.
This rooming – in model of care for opioid using mothers and infants at risk of NAS was described in Canada in 2007 and 2010 by Dr. Ron Abrahams and colleagues. (2,3) This program has been running for over a decade in Vancouver and yet it’s principles and practice have not been adopted by the perinatal community across Canada. The implementation of this model of care as suggested by the recent CPS Practice Point requires a lengthy process of education and changing attitudes of health professionals towards these pregnant women and their families. The support of families in this situation requires a deep commitment by health care profess...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.