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Changing to NIPT as a first‐tier screening test and future perspectives: opinions of health professionals
Author(s) -
Tamminga Saskia,
Schendel Rachèl V.,
Rommers Wieke,
Bilardo Caterina M.,
Pajkrt Eva,
Dondorp Wybo J.,
Maarle Merel,
Cornel Martina C.,
Henneman Lidewij
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.4697
Subject(s) - medicine , test (biology) , health professionals , prenatal screening , family medicine , first trimester , pregnancy , gynecology , health care , prenatal diagnosis , gestation , paleontology , fetus , genetics , economics , biology , economic growth
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate health professionals' opinions toward offering noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as first‐tier screening test regardless of pregnant women's risk, and toward a potential broader range of disorders. Methods A questionnaire completed by obstetric health professionals ( n = 240) after an in‐service NIPT training in the West and North of the Netherlands. Results The majority (72%) of respondents favored replacing first‐trimester combined test (FCT) by NIPT, although 43% preferred to maintain nuchal translucency measurement. Many respondents believed that replacing FCT by NIPT would only have advantages (57%), would lead to more pregnant women opting for prenatal testing (69%), and would simplify counseling (47%). Differences in attitudes toward counseling between health professionals were observed. When considering NIPT to screen for broader range of disorders, the majority (92%) thought that this should include disorders characterized by neonatal death, whereas 52% of the respondents favored testing for fetomaternal risk factors. Overall, 46% thought screening should be offered as a fixed list of disorders. Conclusion Most health professionals favor NIPT instead of FCT but prefer to maintain nuchal translucency measurement. If NIPT becomes available as a first‐tier screening test, attention remains necessary to ensure that pregnant women make well‐informed decisions in line with the aim of prenatal screening. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.