Improving Drug Exposure Knowledge During Lactation: Quality Improvement Initiative in Low-Income Women

Objectives: To improve maternal knowledge on medication and substance usage during lactation through prenatal breastfeeding education and assess breastfeeding rates at 2-4 and 6-8 weeks postpartum. Study Design: This quality improvement initiative occurred between August 2016 and October 2017. Pregnant women without contraindications to breastfeeding receiving prenatal care at one of four prenatal sites in Florida were eligible. Enrolled women participated in a 1-hour interactive session consisting of basic breastfeeding education and medication or substance use during lactation. Demographic information, medical history, and pre/post breastfeeding knowledge scores were obtained. Regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the influence of medication usage on breastfeeding rates at 2-4 and 6-8 weeks postpartum. Results: The majority of participants (N = 121; median age = 26) were Hispanic (64%), unmarried (70%), and unemployed (60%). Approximately 25% were on medications other than supplements. Of those, one-third reported concerns regarding medication usage and infant safety during lactation. Knowledge regarding postpartum medications or substances and their breastfeeding compatibility increased significantly postintervention; however, women who were using medications at 2-4 and 6-8 weeks postpartum were 4 times as likely to mix feed or formula feed as compared with mothers not taking medications (adjusted odds ratio [OR] at 2-4 weeks = 3.693 confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.398-9.757) and adjusted OR at 6-8 weeks = 4.208 (95% CI: 1.009-17.548). Conclusions: This prenatal breastfeeding education targeting low-income women improved knowledge on medication usage and lactation. However, despite increasing breastfeeding knowledge, medication use appears to influence infant feeding behaviors at 2-4 and 6-8 weeks postpartum.

Commentary on the article "Postpartum women's use of medicines and breastfeeding practices: a systematic review"

This commentary follows the article of Moni R. Saha and her co-authors, entitled "Postpartum women's use of medicines and breastfeeding practices: a systematic review." As highlighted in this systematic review, medication use is common during the postpartum period often creating difficulty for mothers. Several studies illustrate the negative impact medication has on breastfeeding, initiation and duration despite reassuring advice from health professionals. Current data only describe the use of medication and behavior adopted by mothers when medication is prescribed. The factors influencing maternal behaviors have not been studied. Behaviors depend on knowledge, representations and attitudes. To better understand the behaviors of mothers faced with medication, we conducted a qualitative study, utilizing semi-structured interviews to investigate knowledge, risk perception and difficulties women experienced. The study consisted of a description and comparison of the perceived needs of two populations: 19 breastfeeding mothers and 12 health professionals. Divergences between the two populations were highlighted, focusing specifically, on knowledge needed by the women. This commentary is intended to highlight the need for further research essential to explain the influences on maternal behavior when medication is a consideration, allowing health professionals to better help mothers deal with these situations frequently affecting their breastfeeding plans.

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy: elaboration of a therapeutic patient education programme, "EdAmyl"

BACKGROUND

Transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTR) is an autosomal dominant disease affecting the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, heart, eyes and kidneys. It is the most disabling hereditary polyneuropathy in adults. The French National Reference centre for this disease was accredited in 2005 with 10 lines of action. One of them is to inform and educate patients about their disease to improve their care and reduce morbidities. We thus decided to elaborate a therapeutic patient education (TPE) programme, starting with patients' needs assessment.

METHODS

A qualitative research study was conducted with one-to-one semi-structured interviews of selected individuals. Recorded interviews were analysed to identify the skills that patients need to acquire. A TPE programme was elaborated on the basis of these findings.

RESULTS

Seven patients, one asymptomatic carrier and two healthy spouses were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews showed that interviewees had a good knowledge of the disease and its symptoms but they had difficulties explaining the disease mechanism and did not have an adequate knowledge of the available treatment options, although they knew that liver transplant might halt progression of the disease. ATTR amyloidosis appeared to have a major negative impact on the patient's physical and mental well-being. Patients feared loss of autonomy and having to require assistance from their relatives and spouses. All interviewees were keen to participate in a TPE programme. Based on this needs assessment, we identified seven skills that patients need to acquire and several pedagogical goals to be achieved during the education programme. An interdisciplinary team then elaborated a complete TPE programme.

CONCLUSION

Elaboration of a TPE programme for ATTR amyloidosis required to obtain useful information from the patients themselves, and their relatives, concerning their perception of their disease. This needs' assessment constituted the basis for designing the first TPE programme, to our knowledge, for ATTR amyloidosis. After translation, this programme could be applied in other EU countries and worldwide for this rare disease.