Monday, January 08, 2007

Pregnant Women In The Dark On Prenatal Screening

The Philosopher Mom and I spent a lot of time thinking about the implications of prenatal screening. We opted out when she was pregnant with the Curious Boy, but went ahead for Number 2 (in progress). She works with kids with intellectual handicaps and me, well... I worry about things like that (Hence this blog).





A new study from the Queensland University of Technology has brought to light something that those of us who have been through the process already know.... nobody tells you what you need to know and you have to take it upon yourself to learn and ask as much as you can.





..midwives, obstetricians and counsellors agreed prenatal patient eduction was important, many assumed that another practitioner had taken responsibility for delivering the information.



Researcher Eleanor Milligan, from QUT's Applied Ethics Program, said when talking to practitioners it emerged that no-one was charged with ensuring pregnant women were being educated about prenatal screening.

"There is often blurred accountability for patient education between practitioners," Ms Milligan said. "They all agree it is very important but often presume another practitioner has provided it."

Ms Milligan said some doctors felt it was up to obstetricians, midwives often relied on doctors, and counsellors agreed the education process could be "haphazard".

LINK





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