This narrative synthesis aims to explore the influence of trauma-informed approaches on the access, engagement, and retention of pregnant women with substance use disorders (SUDs) in prenatal healthcare. Women with SUDs frequently encounter overlapping forms of trauma such as childhood abuse, interpersonal violence, homelessness, and systemic discrimination that can severely hinder their willingness and ability to seek timely prenatal care. Trauma-informed care (TIC) frameworks offer a promising pathway to reduce these barriers by emphasizing safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration within health systems.

 

The ideal applicant for this project is someone with a strong interest in maternal health, trauma-informed care, and substance use, particularly within the context of health equity. A background in public health, psychology, midwifery, social work, or addiction research would be beneficial. The applicant should be comfortable engaging with qualitative and/or mixed-methods research and ideally have experience in conducting or contributing to systematic or narrative reviews. Familiarity with tools such as Covidence, EndNote, or NVivo is desirable, though a willingness to learn is equally valued. This opportunity is open to early-career researchers, postgraduate students, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience who bring research literacy and a passion for meaningful, trauma-informed inquiry.