Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Management - SHSC0002

The use and misuse of addictive substances is an ongoing global health, social and economic problem. Substance dependence in pregnancy raises particular challenges for healthcare services as it affects maternal, fetal and neonatal wellbeing. The newborn infant is placed at risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome when the delivery of the exogenous addictive substance is abruptly removed at birth.

Breastfeeding is the optimum method of infant nutrition with considerable evidence supporting the health and psychological advantages it confers on both mother and baby. Current guidelines recommend encouraging substance dependent women to breastfeed in order to alleviate the severity of abstinence syndrome experienced by the neonate. However, it is acknowledged that the evidence supporting this recommendation is low/poor and that available high quality contemporary research is limited. There is also noted variability in the promotion and implementation of this recommendation within health care facilities.

Health professionals who provide care for women with a substance use disorder and the neonate at risk of withdrawal need an awareness of the complexities of these conditions to provide evidence based advice and facilitate informed decision making on management options appropriate to their own health service context.

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct a detailed exploration of the facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding promotion for women with a substance use disorder with the aim of developing and testing an evidence based applied clinical support model. The precise methodology will be for the candidate to determine in discussion with the supervisory team.
Applications from potential part-time students are welcomed.


Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in a health professional, allied health professional or related discipline with a good fundamental knowledge of clinical research.

English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental research methodology
• Competent in health promotion and behaviour change theory
• Knowledge of substance use disorders and maternity management
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

When applying for this position please quote project code SHSC0002