Educating general practitioners about prenatal testing: approaches and challenges

To examine the effects of an education intervention on the knowledge and practice behaviours of general practitioners (GPs) regarding prenatal screening and diagnostic testing in Melbourne, Australia.

A single group, pre-test, repeated post-test design was used. Information on demographics, knowledge, behaviours and skills was collected via a self-administered questionnaire prior to the educational intervention. Responses to individual questions were coded and scores calculated, as well as a percent total score. Following the education, data were again collected, immediately afterwards (Post-Q) and six-to-eight months later (Foll-Q).

Data for all three time points were collected from 63 GPs and showed a variable, and relatively poor knowledge regarding aspects of prenatal testing, especially before education. The percent mean total score at baseline was 51.2+/-1.59% (CI 48.02 to 54.39), which increased significantly (p<0.001) in both Post-Q (62.88+/-1.51%; CI 59.86 to 65.89) and Foll-Q (58.92+/-1.6%; CI 55.71 to 62.12).

The educational intervention significantly increased knowledge and practice behaviour of GPs, even up to eight months later, but this could be improved further, to a considerable extent. There is a need for ongoing multi-faceted approaches to educating GPs on prenatal testing to ensure that they are engaged in appropriate practice.