This practice report describes how psychology trainees in an integrated obstetric and addiction treatment program adapted to telepsychology during the COVID-19 pandemic. The multidisciplinary clinic used digital tools, flexible supervision, and revised workflows to maintain coordinated services for pregnant and parenting patients. The authors describe implementation barriers and lessons for trainee education and patient access. The report is a program experience, not a controlled evaluation of telepsychology effectiveness.
Abstract
Objective:
This article presents a brief overview of the challenges and facilitators to the provision of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for pregnant and parenting women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we highlight the deployment of telepsychology services during the pandemic by an integrated, trainee-based women & addictions program that provides care via a multidisciplinary team, including an obstetrician, addiction medicine fellow, nurse, behavioral health trainees, violence prevention advocates, and pediatric provider.
Methods: We outline unique adaptations that the program made to shift from in-person psychology trainee services to telepsychology. Additionally, we describe supporting factors and barriers to success for continued treatment planning, service provision, and educational training.
Results: The program identified and addressed numerous opportunities for improvement to implement and continue telepsychology within an integrated women & addictions program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program maintained the unique components of care integration with the proliferation of digital resources for patients and providers, as well as the flexibility of attending physicians and supervising psychologists.
Conclusions: Provision of telepsychology services within an integrated women & addictions program employing trainees is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program addressed barriers to care in creative ways, through the use of various technologies, to meet patients where they are. Continuing to have this option available requires adaptation to the maturing needs of the clinic.
