Prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: how best to deliver the news.
Published
Journal Article
We sought to provide evidence-based recommendations to physicians on how to best deliver a prenatal diagnosis of DS to expectant parents. Our study design consisted of searching Medline and PsychInfo from 1960 to 2008, as well as Web sites from academic organizations and other nonprofit or private organizations, using the terms "Down syndrome," "Trisomy 21," "mongolism," "prenatal diagnosis," "postnatal care," and "delivery of health care." Our results showed that a health care professional knowledgeable about DS with specific training in the delivery of sensitive diagnoses should be part of the first conversation. A prenatal diagnosis of DS should be presented in person or at a pre-established time by phone. Physicians should provide accurate information about medical conditions associated with DS and connect parents to local DS support groups and other resources. We conclude that physicians can deliver prenatal diagnoses of DS in a sensitive manner that can be appreciated by expectant parents.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Skotko, BG; Kishnani, PS; Capone, GT; Down Syndrome Diagnosis Study Group,
Published Date
- November 2009
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 149A / 11
Start / End Page
- 2361 - 2367
PubMed ID
- 19787699
Pubmed Central ID
- 19787699
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1552-4833
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1002/ajmg.a.33082
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States