Prenatal screening and diagnosis: a survey of health care providers' knowledge and attitudes.

AIM

To survey the knowledge and attitudes of health care providers in Western Australia, Australia towards prenatal screening and diagnostic procedures for fetal anomalies.

DESIGN

A self-administered mail survey.

SAMPLE

30 obstetricians and 313 general practitioners (GPs).

RESULTS

Overall, relative to GPs, obstetricians expressed more positive attitudes towards prenatal tests. Moreover, GPs felt they had a greater need for additional information. Further group differences were found in attitudes towards the value of the tests and confidence in the availability and ease of coordination of follow-up services according to geographical area. Female health care providers were significantly more confident about the availability of follow-up services and had higher knowledge scores. They were also more likely to practice in the metropolitan area. Further group differences were found in attitudes according to participation in professional development.

CONCLUSION

Overall, health care providers felt antenatal screening and diagnostic tests were valuable and they felt they could benefit from further information. Knowledge was high, however, it is unclear whether this knowledge is being communicated to women. Given that antenatal practices are rapidly evolving, continuing education and ongoing professional development is critical.