Pre-screening education in multiple marker screening programs: The effect on patient anxiety and knowledge.

Area of Science:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• Unexplained deviations in maternal serum multiple marker screening (MMS) cause significant anxiety during pregnancy.
• While education's role in reducing anxiety is known, specific educational practices to minimize stress remain unevaluated.
• Prospective studies are needed to identify effective educational interventions for managing anxiety related to prenatal screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the impact of different educational modalities on maternal anxiety and knowledge regarding MMS.
• To compare the effectiveness of information delivery by genetic counselors, pamphlets, and primary physicians.
• To identify which educational approach best minimizes emotional stress associated with prenatal screening results.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving prospective evaluation of three educational interventions for maternal serum multiple marker screening (MMS).
• Women were randomized to receive information via genetic counselor, pamphlet, or primary physician.
• Anxiety (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAI) and knowledge were assessed at baseline, post-education, and post-results.

Main Results:

• Educational interventions led to an overall increase in participant knowledge about MMS.
• Significant differences in post-education knowledge levels were observed among the three educational modalities.
• Anxiety levels decreased in participants educated by genetic counselors or through pamphlets.

Conclusions:

• Genetic counseling and pamphlet-based education are effective in reducing anxiety associated with maternal serum multiple marker screening.
• Different educational methods yield varying levels of knowledge acquisition regarding prenatal screening.
• Targeted educational strategies can mitigate the emotional distress experienced by pregnant individuals undergoing prenatal testing.