2016
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Jérôme Goffette et al., « Prenatal screening of Down Syndrome: elaboration of an information document for pregnant women », HAL-SHS : philosophie, ID : 10670/1.jxcfel
Context . All pregnant women should be informed of the possibility of a prenatal screening for Downsyndrome. The underlying reasons for performing such screening are complex and often misunderstood.We wanted to draw up an information leaflet on prenatal screening for Down syndrome, which wouldbe given to pregnant women by caregivers. The leaflet was intended to improve the understanding ofpatients on the prenatal screening for Down syndrome in order to help them making an informeddecision.Method . The drawing up of the leaflet followed the recommended methodology of the FrenchNational Authority for Health: 1) drafting of a first version and improvement threw a working groupcomposed by researchers, doctors and patients; 2) assessment of the information leaflet by caregivers;3) proofreading of the documents by linguists.Results . At the end of the first step, professionals and users prepared two documents: a leaflet for theuse of patients and a diagram for support in the consultation. In the second step, these two documentswere assessed by 27 professionals (midwives, general practitioners and obstetricians). These profession-als sub- mitted the documents to patients during consultations. Changes were made to the documents.In the third step, a team of linguists improved the use of words and sentencing without any changes inthe content.Discussion . This project allowed the creation of a leaflet providing information on Down syndromeand prenatal screening. The purposes are to inform women, and avoiding anxiety, encouragingwomen and couples to reflect on the process and raise awareness that all stages of the prenatal screen-ing involve a per- sonal choice. This document should be updated along with the development of newdiagnostic techniques, such as the sampling of circulating fetal DNA in maternal blood.