Evaluation von genetischer Familienberatung und pränataler Diagnostik am Beispiel der Pränatalambulanz der Landeskliniken Salzburg

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated patient satisfaction with genetic counseling before invasive prenatal diagnostics and including the information provided by the referring physician. Satisfaction was evaluated focusing on the information provided and emotional support. Also, women who underwent amniocentesis were compared with those who declined the test. Methods: 100 women counseled at a prenatal diagnostic unit because of maternal age ≥ 35 years were surveyed anonymously with a 59-item questionnaire. Results: The overall patient assessment was positive. Satisfaction with referring gynecologists was more related to variables of emotional support whereas satisfaction with the prenatal diagnostic unit was also related to the provided information. The decision to undergo amniocentesis was made earlier in pregnancy than the decision to decline the test, often before contact with the prenatal diagnostic unit. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the different roles of referring gynecologists and specialized institutions in the counselling process surrounding prenatal diagnostics.