Integrating care for individuals with FASD: Results from a multi-stakeholder symposium

Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) has a significant impact on communities and systems suc as health, education, justice and social services. FASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that results i permanent disabilities and associated service needs that change across affected individuals' lifespans. There is degree of interdependency among medical and non-medical providers across these systems that do not frequentl meet or plan a coordinated continuum of care. Improving overall care integration will increase provider-specifi and system capacity, satisfaction, quality of life and outcomes Methods: We conducted a consensus generating symposium comprised of 60 experts from different stakeholde groups: Allied & Mental Health, Education, First Nations & Métis Health, Advocates, Primary Care, Government Healt Policy, Regional FASD Coordinators, Social Services, and Youth Justice. Research questions addressed barriers an solutions to integration across systems and group-specific and system-wide research priorities. Solutions an consensus on prioritized lists were generated by combining the Electronic Meeting System approach with modified Nominal Group Technique' Results: FASD capacity (e.g., training, education, awareness) needs to be increased in both medical and non-medica providers. Outcomes and integration will be improved by implementing: multidisciplinary primary care grou practice models, FASD system navigators/advocates, and patient centred medical homes. Electronic medica records that are accessible to multiple medical and non-medical providers are a key tool to enhancin integration and quality. Eligibility criteria for services are a main barrier to integration across systems. There is need for culturally and community-specific approaches for First Nations communities Conclusions: There is a need to better integrate care for individuals and families living with FASD. Primary Care i well positioned to play a central and important role in facilitating and supporting increased integration. Researc is needed to better address best practices (e.g., interventions, supports and programs) and long-Term individua and family outcomes following a diagnosis of FASD.