Enhancing the effectiveness of community drug and alcohol teams working with opioid-dependent pregnant women: results of an audit

Aims and method To evaluate the quality of services offered by community drug and alcohol teams (CDATs) to pregnant women in substitution treatment. A full audit of the practice across all local CDATs against national standards was undertaken in 2008 and 2010. Results Quality of services improved and met three standards in 100% and the fourth standard in 96% of cases. There was good implementation of the recommendations arising out of the action plan of the first cycle, which resulted in significant improvements in interagency liaison and risk-benefit analysis documentation within the CDATs. Clinical implications Management of pregnant women in substitution treatment can be improved by adhering to a multipronged approach as identified by this audit.