The Function of Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Request Forms in the Australian Context

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Clinical Practice
• Health Communication

Background:

• Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a user-pays service in Australia.
• Concerns exist regarding the routinization of NIPT and its impact on informed consent.
• The role of NIPT request forms in clinical practice is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diverse functions of NIPT request forms used by Australian providers.
• To analyze how these forms contribute to the informed consent process for NIPT.

Main Methods:

• Online search for NIPT forms from Australian providers in 2024.
• Analysis of eight selected forms using a modified Evaluative Linguistic Framework.

Main Results:

• Significant heterogeneity and ambiguity were found in the functions of NIPT forms.
• Forms displayed varied labeling, including 'request forms' and references to 'informed consent'.

Conclusions:

• NIPT forms may function as a clinical ritual in the performance of informed consent.
• These documents can support NIPT counselling, but their role needs clear articulation.
• Findings offer insights for healthcare professionals in Australia and globally regarding NIPT provision.