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Updated: Sep 7, 2025

FISH for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Published on: February 23, 2011
OBGYN providers' lack of knowledge and management of genetic risks due to advanced paternal age underscore the need
Joseph F Biddle1,2, Leah Wetherill3, Gabrielle C Geddes1
1Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Insights
Healthcare providers, especially OBGYNs, show knowledge gaps regarding advanced paternal age (APA) risks and guidelines. Updated education and visible guidelines are needed for better management of APA-associated conditions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
- Healthcare Professional Education
Background:
- Advanced paternal age (APA) is increasingly common.
- Understanding of APA risks and management varies among healthcare providers.
- Current clinical practices regarding APA require characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess healthcare professionals' knowledge of advanced paternal age (APA).
- To evaluate awareness of APA-associated risks and current clinical practices.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and areas for improved clinical guidance.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to healthcare providers.
- Participants included specialists in medical genetics (GEN), maternal fetal medicine (MFM), and obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN).
- Survey assessed demographic information, APA knowledge, guideline familiarity, and clinical practices.
Main Results:
- 67 providers responded; 54 were physicians (GEN, MFM, OBGYN).
- OBGYNs demonstrated lower agreement on APA-genetic disease links and more misconceptions about risks compared to GEN and MFM.
- Most physicians were unaware of recent APA guidelines, with OBGYNs showing significant knowledge gaps.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers, particularly OBGYNs, require enhanced education on advanced paternal age risks.
- Updated and more accessible guidelines for APA management are recommended for GEN, MFM, and OBGYN specialists.
- Targeted educational materials could address specific knowledge deficits in OBGYNs regarding APA.
Abstract:
The objective of this pilot study was to characterize healthcare professionals' knowledge of advanced paternal age (APA), the associated risks, as well as current clinical practices regarding APA. Our study utilized an online survey that questioned providers who see children with genetic conditions and patients who are or may become pregnant regarding demographic information, APA knowledge, APA guideline familiarity, and their clinical practices. A total of 67 providers responded to the survey. We had responses from 54 physician participants in the specialties of medical genetics (GEN), maternal fetal medicine (MFM), and obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN). OBGYN, but not MFM, reported significantly lower agreement that current data supports an association between APA and certain genetic diseases compared to GEN. Furthermore, OBGYN were less likely to identify established risks associated with APA and more likely to incorrectly identify unestablished risks compared to GEN and MFM. Regardless of specialty, the majority of physicians were unfamiliar with the most recently published APA guidelines. This study revealed a desire for more information regarding APA risks and management among our participants. Our data suggest that GEN, MFM, and OBGYN would benefit from updated and more visible guidelines regarding APA. Additionally, OBGYN consistently showed knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding the risks of APA. Targeted educational or guidance materials regarding APA may also be beneficial for OBGYNs.
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