What results to disclose, when, and who decides? Healthcare professionals’ views on prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis

Abstract

Objectives

This study explored the views of healthcare-professionals (HCPs) in the UK about what information should be disclosed; when; and whether women/parents should be given a choice as to what they wish to know.

Methods

Q-methodology was used to assess the views of forty HCPs (genetic healthcare professionals, fetal medicine experts, lab-scientists).

Results

Most participants agreed that variants of unknown clinical significance should not be disclosed. Participants were divided between those who considered variants of uncertain clinical significance helpful for parents and clinicians, and those who considered them harmful. Although recognising the potential disadvantages of disclosing risks for adult-onset conditions, participants thought it would be difficult to withhold such information once identified. Participants largely supported some parental involvement in determining which results should be returned. Most participants believed that information obtained via CMA testing in pregnancy should either be disclosed during pregnancy, or not at all.

Conclusion

HCPs taking part in the study largely believed that variants that will inform the management of the pregnancy, or are relevant to other family members, should be reported. Recent UK guidelines, published after this research was completed, reflect these opinions.

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