Written patient information about triple-marker screening: a randomized, controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Prenatal Screening
• Health Communication

Background:

• Triple-marker screening is a crucial prenatal diagnostic tool.
• Effective patient education is vital for informed decision-making regarding prenatal screening.
• Existing educational materials may not cater to all patient demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a revised educational pamphlet on triple-marker screening.
• To identify specific subgroups of women who may not benefit from the pamphlet.
• To inform the development of more inclusive patient education strategies.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted across six diverse Ontario sites.
• Participants received either a pamphlet on triple-marker screening or a control pamphlet.
• Knowledge was assessed using the validated Maternal Serum Screening Knowledge Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Women receiving the intervention pamphlet showed significantly higher knowledge scores (0.89 vs. 0.52, P < .001).
• Subgroups with lower benefit included women aged 25 and younger and non-English speakers.
• Highly educated women demonstrated high knowledge regardless of pamphlet use.

Conclusions:

• Written educational materials are effective in enhancing patient knowledge of triple-marker screening.
• Targeted educational interventions are necessary for specific subgroups, including younger and non-English-speaking women.
• Prenatal care providers should utilize written information while acknowledging its limitations for certain populations.