The solution to that issue has been to coordinate all the care around the patient . When a patient comes in for her prenatal visit , the stage-one worker will be present , as well as the patient ’ s designated behavioral-health expert , high-risk specialist , and anyone else assigned to her case . That way , all needed care can be delivered in a single visit rather than in multiple trips .
Another differentiator for G . R . A . C . E . is the program ’ s design for post-natal interaction and care . New mothers will be working with the team for six weeks after they deliver , so that the dual challenges of new motherhood and addiction / withdrawal don ’ t overload them .
“ We hold their hand through prenatal care . We hold their hand to delivery . We see these patients postpartum for six weeks as we continue to integrate them into a network of communitybased treatment programs and other providers ,” Dr . Lichtmacher says . “ We try to make those connections during the pregnancy , so they ’ ll be familiar with the treatment before delivery . Some women come from communities outside of Albuquerque , in those cases we do what we can to connect them with resources within their own communities .”
TARGETING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AS AN ISSUE
Much of that training , as well as assessment of other potential program components , will revolve around the behavioral health component of the overall treatment regimen .
“ We offer social-service support alongside behavioral health support ,” explains Kelly Wascher , RN , MS , the Manager of Clinical Services for the G . R . A . C . E . program .
“ Unfortunately , many of these patients , probably more than 65 or 70 percent , have some behavioralhealth issue , whether it ’ s because of abuse that they ’ ve suffered earlier in their life or a trauma which may have led into this addiction .”
“ It is an unfortunate reality of life in Albuquerque and New Mexico in general , and quite frankly to some degree nationally , that there is a shortage of behavioral health treatment options for patients ,” Dr . Lichtmacher adds . “ There are just not enough psychiatrists , psychologists , and social workers to be able to care for the entire population . For our program , as we identify these gaps in care , we ’ re able to recruit individuals to fill those roles . As our needs increase , we ’ re adding more individuals to our roster .”
“We try to make those connections during the pregnancy , so they ’ ll be familiar with the treatment before delivery . ”
Dr . Abraham Lichtmacher Chief of Women ’ s Services
That group of professionals , ranging from physicians and nurses to certified midwives and behavioral health providers , have quickly become acclimated to the unique needs of this patient base , says Wascher .
“ What has been fascinating to watch is the comfort level of the staff ,” she notes . “ Now we have G . R . A . C . E . champions who have been identified in the outpatient sector , as well as on labor and delivery teams , in our NICU , and in other parts of the organization . These individuals help promote the program , assisting new staff who are coming on board and making sure they ’ re well educated and knowledgeable about the program .”