[Medical attitudes regarding the announcement of suspected foetal abnormality in ultrasound scans]

E Blanchet; A A Chantry; P Sauvegrain; O Anselem

doi:10.1016/j.gofs.2022.09.001

[Medical attitudes regarding the announcement of suspected foetal abnormality in ultrasound scans]

Gynecol Obstet Fertil Senol. 2022 Dec;50(12):753-761. doi: 10.1016/j.gofs.2022.09.001. Epub 2022 Sep 13.

[Article in French]

Authors

E Blanchet¹, A A Chantry², P Sauvegrain³, O Anselem⁴

Affiliations

¹ Maternité Port-Royal, AP-HP, 123, boulevard de Port-Royal, 75014 Paris, France. Electronic address: blanchet.eugenie@gmail.com.
² Université Paris Cité, Centre de Recherche en epidémiologie et Statistiques, CRESS, équipe de recherche en épidémiologie obstétricale, périnatale et pédiatrique (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, 75004 Paris, France; École de sages-femmes de Baudelocque, AP-HP, université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France.
³ Université Paris Cité, Centre de Recherche en epidémiologie et Statistiques, CRESS, équipe de recherche en épidémiologie obstétricale, périnatale et pédiatrique (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, 75004 Paris, France; Maternité la Pitié Salepêtrière, AP-HP, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
⁴ Maternité Port-Royal, AP-HP, 123, boulevard de Port-Royal, 75014 Paris, France.

PMID: 36108917
DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2022.09.001

Abstract

Objectives: This study's primary objective was to analyse the personal experience of different ultrasonographers during the announcement of suspected foetal abnormalities, seen either in screening or diagnostic ultrasound. The secondary objectives aimed to explore the factors influencing the announcement of the foetal abnormality, whether they complicated or facilitated the consultation. These also comprised the analysis of the knowledge, practice and attitudes of the healthcare professionals as well as the different techniques used during the consultation. Finally, this study aimed to analyse the various tools and skills used by ultrasonographers to improve the quality of their announcement of the diagnosis.

Methods: This qualitative study was based on both the observation of consultations and the results of semi-structured interviews with ultrasonographers, in a maternity hospital in France.

Results: The results highlighted feelings of great discomfort for the ultrasonographers on discovering an abnormality on the scan. The different perceptions and practices regarding the announcement of a diagnosis varied between screening ultrasonographers and specialist doctors. The uncertainty of foetal prognosis seemed to complicate the announcement for specialist doctors. Qualities that made the communication of the diagnosis easier included the ultrasonographer's availability and their attitude. Although professional experience was considered a very powerful skill, training for the communication of a diagnosis accelerates the development of good medical practice.

Conclusions: The announcement of suspected foetal abnormalities is a difficult exercice, which impacts the ultrasonographer's personal experience and his attitude. Some professional practices are to be encouraged while others are to be put under question. A trust-based relationship between the healthcare professional and the patient is partly reinforced by the quality of the announcement and its follow-up, as well as the healthcare professional's thoroughness and humanity.

Keywords: Annonce; Caregivers; Diagnosis; Malformation; Soignants; Ultrasound; Échographie.

Publication types

English Abstract

MeSH terms

Attitude
Communication*
Female
Health Personnel*
Humans
Pregnancy
Qualitative Research
Ultrasonography