[Communication competence in ultrasound examination in pregnancy]

293 physicians in the German-speaking part of Switzerland were questioned about their practices of providing information during prenatal ultrasound examinations. Physicians were asked both how they provide information about the examination procedure itself as well as how they inform the pregnant woman if a fetal anomaly is detected.

In January 2000, a questionnaire was mailed to a sample of 500 physicians with a specialized qualification in pregnancy ultrasound examinations. The response rate was 59.2%.

90.1% of the physicians reported that they offer information consultations for routine ultrasound examinations. 50.2% mentioned in their answers to an open question that the screening for fetal anomalies is a component of their consultation. Female physicians mentioned this aspect significantly more often than male physicians. Regarding difficulties in the communication of a diagnosis of fetal malformation, the physicians reported most frequently the excessive strain on the pregnant woman, but also their own feelings of helplessness. The subjective emotional stress was considered as high; female physicians with experience of motherhood reported the highest levels of stress.

Screening for fetal anomalies is a difficult and often neglected subject when providing information on prenatal ultrasound examinations. The communication of the diagnosis of a fetal anomaly is not only emotionally stressful for the parents, but also for the physicians and requires high levels of communication competence. These communication aspects should be considered in the training for ultrasound examinations during pregnancy.