Written by Alexandra Burman, member of the 2024 CanFASD Trainee Program.
Hi everybody! My name is Alex. I am a first year Masters Student in Community, Population and Public Health at Wilfrid Laurier University. Here I work under the supervision of Dr. Melody Morton Ninomiya. My thesis has focused on exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) among healthcare professionals across New Brunswick.
I would like to share how I was introduced into the field of FASD research, as well as some findings from my thesis work and what I have taken away from my experiences researching in the field.
Starting in the Field of FASD Research
Dr. Morton Ninomiya introduced me to the field of FASD in my final year of my undergraduate degree. I approached her about conducting an undergraduate fourth year thesis project. Prior to this experience, I knew FASD existed, but I knew very little about the life-course of an individual with FASD, their unique strengths and associated difficulties, as well as the need for a community to help in supporting someone with FASD. I have always had a passion for equitable healthcare specifically in respect to women’s health. I quickly realized that women who may be using substances and people with FASD are two populations whose healthcare needs are not being met.
My Study
To address inequity and inaccessibility of healthcare for pregnant people and individuals with FASD, my research serves to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among those employed in the healthcare sector across New Brunswick. Alongside the New Brunswick FASD Centre of Excellence, who are the knowledge users of the research, we are seeking to understand service and training gaps that need to be prioritized for healthcare providers to address the health needs of those with FASD effectively. Recognizing the current knowledge base and practices of healthcare providers can lead to changes within training institutions and current workplaces.
To date, we have conducted surveys and interviews with healthcare professionals across New Brunswick. We will soon be analyzing the data to identify what professionals do, think, and know about FASD support and prevention. Once analyzed, the results will be mobilized with the New Brunswick FASD Centre of Excellence. This knowledge mobilization will be in the form of plain language reports, presentations, and updated education and training for front-line service providers. Study findings will help to strategically educate and address gaps and misinformation about FASD to improve prevention and increase supportive services across New Brunswick.
Main Takeaways
From a brief analysis of the preliminary data, we have identified a critical lack of knowledge among healthcare providers specifically. This perceived lack of knowledge is in terms of how to best support both pregnant people and people with FASD. In comparing knowledge to practices, we were able to identify that there is a clear link between whether they have had any form of training related to FASD and whether they engage in specific preventative or supportive practices. Similarly, many healthcare professionals from diverse careers expressed that they are aware of FASD and some of the life-long effects. However, they face barriers in supporting patients to access a diagnosis and in providing lifelong support.
Since entering the field of FASD research, I have developed a new-found passion for women’s health. This passion is particularly in respect to pregnancy, substance use, and providing support for equity-seeking populations. Throughout my time working on my thesis and from my involvement in the CanFASD Trainee Program, I have obtained a critical and nuanced understanding of the role of healthcare providers throughout the life span. As I work towards a career in healthcare, I hope to use my experience to be both an advocate and source of support and education for both people with FASD and pregnant people.
Alexandra Burman is a Masters student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Community, Population and Public Health. Throughout her studies, Alexandra was introduced to the field of FASD. She hopes to integrate her passion for accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations in her future career.