An ethics-informed policy for urine drug testing in pregnancy: impact on patients and providers

Identifying pregnant patients with substance use disorder is crucial to optimizing health outcomes for the patient and newborn. Urine drug testing in pregnancy has historically been used as a tool to recognize illicit substance use. However, there is no national standard for whom to test. Indications for testing vary greatly among hospitals and consent is infrequently obtained. Dr. Holland’s project will analyze the effects of a novel institutional policy for urine drug testing in pregnancy on 1) obstetric and pediatric decision-making, 2) patient perceptions of trust, and 3) newborn health outcomes.