Development and Evaluation of a Decision Aid About Prenatal Testing for Women of Advanced Maternal Age.

Abstract

To develop and evaluate a decision aid designed to prepare patients of advanced maternal age for counseling about prenatal diagnostic testing. A regional genetics center. A before/after study. Participants used an audioguided workbook to learn about options and outcomes and to clarify personal risks, values, questions, and predispositions. 21 women of advanced maternal age and 17 spouses. Knowledge of prenatal testing alternatives, decisional conflict, level of anxiety, and acceptability of the decision aid. After using the decision aid, participants had significantly reduced decisional conflict (uncertainty) and a significant increase in knowledge. There was no effect on state or trait anxiety. More than three-quarters of participants were satisfied with the length, clarity, balance, and acceptability of the decision aid. The decision aid shows promise as a useful aid for preparing couples for counseling.