Prenatal counseling: a statewide telephone service

Area of Science:

• Medical Genetics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• A statewide prenatal counseling service was established by the University of Michigan in 1974.
• The service utilizes a toll-free hotline to provide information to obstetricians and pregnant patients.
• Inquiries cover genetic conditions, teratogen exposure, and obstetric/medical complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and impact of a statewide prenatal counseling service.
• To document the types of inquiries and the service's utilization over time.
• To assess the feasibility of a self-supported model for prenatal genetic counseling.

Main Methods:

• A toll-free telephone hotline was operated by nurses and physicians with expertise in genetics and maternal-fetal medicine.
• Perinatal nurse counselors handled calls and referred complex cases to medical specialists.
• Data on inquiry volume and types were collected from 1974 to 1981.

Main Results:

• Over 5,000 inquiries were received, addressing genetic conditions, teratogen exposure, and pregnancy complications.
• The number of weekly inquiries increased significantly from 3 in 1974 to 30 in 1981.
• Genetic amniocenteses, performed in response to 46% of inquiries, financially supported the service.

Conclusions:

• The statewide prenatal counseling service demonstrated significant growth and utility.
• The self-supported model proved effective and financially sustainable through genetic amniocentesis referrals.
• The authors recommend this service model for adoption by other institutions.