Search results for ‘Publisher:"foundation for people with learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 1 of 1
Antenatal screening: informed choice and parental consent
- Authors:
- SKIRTON Heather, BARR Owen
- Publisher:
- Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 75p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Antenatal screening for foetal abnormalities should be offered in a way that is ethically acceptable and facilitates free choice. This project aimed to identify how prospective parents could be better supported to make informed decisions about antenatal screening of the foetus. Eight focus groups were held across England, 4 of which were held with pregnant mothers and partners and 4 of which were held with health professionals who were directly involved in providing the offer of the choice of antenatal screening to pregnant women. The findings of the focus groups are discussed under 4 main headings: ‘a good thing’; provision of information; choices to be made; and challenges and recommendations. From the analysis of the focus group data, 2 separate questionnaires were drawn up for parents and professionals involved in offering screening. Questions related to the following topics: knowledge of antenatal screening tests; conditions potentially detected using screening tests; those involved in decision making; information or support used in decision making; unmet needs for information or support; knowledge of the lives of those with Down syndrome; preferred method of delivery of any additional information sought. The questionnaires were completed by 111 parents and 78 professionals. The main findings of the focus groups and questionnaire are discussed and recommendations made for improved practice.