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Pre‐screening education in multiple marker screening programs: The effect on patient anxiety and knowledge
Author(s) -
Ormond Kelly E.,
Pergament Eugene,
Fine Beth A.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/bf01408532
Subject(s) - anxiety , public health , medicine , clinical psychology , genetic counseling , family medicine , psychology , psychiatry , genetics , nursing , biology
Previous studies have shown that unexplained deviations in maternal serum multiple marker screening (MMS) generate considerable anxiety during the remainder of pregnancy. While the role of education in decreasing anxiety is documented, to date there has been no prospective evaluation of which educational practices might minimize this emotional stress. In a pilot study, we prospectively examined the effects on anxiety and knowledge by providing information about MMS (1) by genetic counselor, (2) by pamphlet, and (3) by primary physician. Women randomized to one of these three modalities were administered the Spielberger State‐ Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] and knowledge questionnaires at their initial obstetrics visit, at their second visit after educational intervention and 1–2 weeks after MMS results were provided to patients. Education resulted in an increase in knowledge and post‐education knowledge was different between educational modalities. Anxiety declined in patients educated through genetic counseling or a pamphlet.