Premium
Informed decision making regarding antenatal screening for fetal abnormality in the U nited K ingdom: A qualitative study of parents and professionals
Author(s) -
Barr Owen,
Skirton Heather
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
nursing and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1442-2018
pISSN - 1441-0745
DOI - 10.1111/nhs.12034
Subject(s) - focus group , thematic analysis , qualitative research , health professionals , medicine , family medicine , coding (social sciences) , nursing , information overload , psychology , health care , social science , statistics , mathematics , marketing , sociology , economic growth , political science , law , economics , business
The aim of this study was to explore the views of parents and health professionals regarding informed decision making for antenatal screening for D own syndrome. This qualitative study was based on thematic analysis and conducted in E ngland, where screening for D own syndrome is universally offered to all pregnant women. Four focus groups were held with pregnant women and/or their partners ( n = 22), and another four groups were held with health professionals who offer antenatal screening ( n = 22). Data were analyzed through coding of the transcribed focus group discussions and extraction of main themes. Extracted themes were: information overload, gaps in information, challenges in providing information and involvement of both parents in the decision. Parents and professionals believed that burdening parents with untimely information on a wide range of topics in the first trimester detracted from decision making about screening. Many parents also reported they were not sufficiently informed and wanted individualized discussion with a health professional. To ensure parents make informed decisions, information on screening should be provided at the appropriate time, with opportunity for personal discussion with a knowledgeable health professional.