Open AccessProviding information about prenatal screening for Down syndrome: a systematic review
Author(s) -
Skjøth Mette M.,
Draborg Eva,
Pedersen Claus D.,
Hansen Helle P.,
Lamont Ronald F.,
Jørgensen Jan S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/aogs.12543
Subject(s) - medicine , psychological intervention , randomized controlled trial , systematic review , medline , anxiety , prenatal diagnosis , family medicine , psychiatry , pregnancy , surgery , political science , law , fetus , biology , genetics
Background In recent decades there have been advances in the options for prenatal screening. Screening programmes for Down syndrome are well established in many countries. It is important that pregnant women are well informed about the benefits and risks of screening. A variety of interventions has been introduced to support pregnant women in their choice of prenatal screening. Objective To summarize the literature using randomized controlled trials to compare the effects of different interventions to provide pregnant women with the information necessary to make an informed choice about screening for Down syndrome. Design Systematic review Methods A systematic search was performed using the PUBMED and EMBASE databases. The search terms included MeSH terms and free text and were combined by Boolean terms (AND, OR) with no restriction on language or time. Main outcome measures Knowledge, informed choice, patient satisfaction, anxiety, depression, conflict and worries. Results Twelve studies were included in the review. All were characterised by having one or more interventions designed to improve the level of information about prenatal screening for Down syndrome. A positive effect on knowledge and satisfaction from the information received was found in the majority of the studies. The studies were heterogeneous with respect to interventions, methodology and outcome measurements. Conclusions Interventions aimed at providing pregnant women with specific information about prenatal screening for Down syndrome can improve their ability to make an informed choice.