Survey of US obstetrician opinions regarding NIPT use in general practice: implementation and barriers

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and opinions of US obstetric providers who use noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to understand current utilization and guide future best practices.Methods: A questionnaire was designed to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes of OBGYNs toward screening options for aneuploidy, with a focus on NIPT. Initial questions evaluated obstetrician demographics, practice type, and NIPT familiarity. Subsequent questions were designed to solicit current practices regarding aneuploidy screening as well as opinions, experiences, and implications of NIPT.Results: Survey respondents identified NIPT as clinically superior to traditional screening methods and indicated that they would like ACOG to formally recommend NIPT for any pregnant woman. Insurance coverage, and therefore cost, was noted as the biggest barrier, and over 81% of surveyed providers would utilize NIPT as a first-line screening test if patients’ insurance offered full coverage. The majority of providers who have implemented NIPT into clinical practice indicated improved patient care. While most providers demonstrated accurate understanding of the technology and its application, nearly 15% misunderstood NIPT as being a diagnostic test for fetal aneuploidy.Conclusion: The results of the survey suggest that there is a desire for changes to current practice guidelines and insurance coverage. Additionally, provider education remains paramount.