Are we meeting couples’ needs following prenatal diagnosis of a fetal abnormality? Findings from prenatal testing: A longitudinal study (PETALS)

3^rd Euro Nursing & Medicare Summit

July 27-29, 2015 Valencia, Spain

Jan Hodgson

University of Melbourne, Australia

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Background: The PeTALS project aims to explore the psychosocial impact of prenatal diagnosis and identify professional and social supports that are utilized and needed. Method: A longitudinal case study approach is being used at 3 Victorian sites to collect questionnaire and qualitative data from women and men at 3 different time-points � 6 weeks post definitive diagnosis of fetal abnormality, 6-9 months later, and 2 years post-diagnosis. Results: Over 90 individuals have been interviewed at the first time-point, regarding their experience of receiving a prenatal diagnosis. Parents commonly experienced significant grief and overwhelming sadness; many described intense feelings of isolation. Those choosing to have an abortion frequently described feeling negatively �judged�. Access to abortion, levels of support and the perceived quality of support varied both within and across the sites. Conclusions: Following prenatal diagnosis, women and men describe variable and sometimes inadequate levels of follow-up bereavement care and support. The expanding scope of prenatal testing means couples are increasingly faced with complex choices. Providing prenatal testing in the absence of a full range of supportive options may be considered unethical.

Biography :

Email: jan.hodgson@mcri.edu.au