[Preimplantation and prenatal counseling. Interdisciplinary and multiprofessional approach]

Several new legal regulations and guidelines introduced in 2010 have changed the duties involved in medical information and counseling on preimplantation genetics (PGD) and prenatal diagnosis (PND).These regulations share the goal of a high-quality health service offering patients interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary expertise, especially taking into account psychological and social aspects. This contribution presents crucial elements for cooperating counseling in the PGD and PND fields. It considers results from a nationwide survey of all professional groups involved in counseling after a pathological prenatal diagnosis according to the law. Crucial to interdisciplinary counseling are choosing the appropriate medical specialty for referral, a positive basis for cooperation, and the right time for consulting another doctor. Several central issues have been identified for successful multidisciplinary counseling: identifying the suitable moment and method to establish contact between the patient and psychosocial counselor, focusing on PGD and PND centers as well as on the transparent qualifications of psychosocial counselors, and appreciating the importance of cooperation.