Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Purpose The purpose of this quality improvement project is to educate outpatient mental health providers at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (WPBVHS) on the importance of pregnancy testing among women veterans of childbearing age (WVCBA) before prescribing psychotropic drugs (PDs) and to increase pregnancy testing to reduce maternal and fetal risks.
Background There are significant maternal and fetal risks associated with using prescription psychotropic drugs during pregnancy including increased risk of gestational diabetes, congenital malformations, neural tube defects, craniofacial disorders, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, low birth weight, and possible developmental delays and learning disabilities. Half of mental health providers in America prescribe women of childbearing age psychotropic drugs without testing for pregnancy.
Background There are significant maternal and fetal risks associated with using prescription psychotropic drugs during pregnancy including increased risk of gestational diabetes, congenital malformations, neural tube defects, craniofacial disorders, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, low birth weight, and possible developmental delays and learning disabilities. Half of mental health providers in America prescribe women of childbearing age psychotropic drugs without testing for pregnancy.