Information for patients undergoing a prenatal diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Genetics
• Patient Communication

Background:

• Physician communication regarding prenatal diagnosis (PD) is frequently inadequate.
• Patients often express dissatisfaction with the information provided during PD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient perceptions of information received during prenatal diagnosis.
• To assess whether patients felt adequately informed by their physicians about PD.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study conducted at Lariboisière Hospital, Paris.
• 86 patients undergoing PD between 2001 and 2003.
• A 23-item questionnaire administered post-delivery or termination of pregnancy (TP).

Main Results:

• 50 out of 86 patients completed the questionnaire; 12 underwent TP.
• 22% of patients found information on fetal anomalies insufficient; some desired visual aids.
• Maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome information was insufficient for 25% of patients.
• Information on amniocentesis risks was sufficient for 90%, but TP risks were poorly understood by most.

Conclusions:

• Prenatal diagnosis information requires improvement through simpler language and supplementary materials like photos.
• Tailoring information to patients' social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds is crucial.
• Enhanced communication strategies are needed, particularly for abstract anomalies and procedure risks.