Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)

Formerly known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), NOWS refers to the collection of signs and symptoms that may occur in opioid-exposed newborns shortly after birth. Between 2010 and 2013, the number of infants with NOWS doubled with a total cost exceeding $23 million in Alabama. The ALPQC aims to reduce variation in treatment and optimize the care of infants with NOWS with goals of optimizing nonpharmacologic management, pharmacologic management, and provideing a safe discharge for infants and mothers.

Project Aim

Our global aim is to optimize inpatient care strategies for infants born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Specifically, among infants born with NOWS at > 35 weeks GA in participating hospitals, by April 2022 we aim to:

Reduce length of stay by 20%

Reduce exposure to pharm care by 20%

Increase the percentage of infants discharged with a coordinated care plan to 95%

Toolkit

Care Team Education

Increase Use of Patient-Centered Language

General Resources

Naloxone

Safe Sleep

Collaborative Discharge Plan & Patient Education

Collaborative Discharge Tools

Peer Support

Naloxone education

Family Education

Safe Sleep (NEW)

Other resources:

    Action Period Calls & Webinars

    2023
    • October 2023 Action Period Call: Transition into Sustainability | Slides
    • August 2023 Action Period Call: Data Overview & Hospital Team Share | Slides
    • July 2023 Action Period Call: Data Overview | Slides
    • June 2023 Action Period Call: Hospital Team Share | Slides
    • April 2023 Action Period Call: Hospital Team Share | Slides
    • February 2023 Action Period Call: Hospital Team Share & Data Updates | Slides
    2022

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