Fetal anomaly ultrasound screening : knowledge and expectations in Maltese pregnant women and health professionals

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research study was to establish Maltese pregnant women’s and professionals’ knowledge and expectations of the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan within the obstetrics and gynaecology out-patient department of a large, acute, general hospital. To achieve this aim, the study was devised in two phases.

Objectives: The objectives of the first phase of the study were: to establish whether there is an association between pregnant women’s sociodemographic characteristics and their knowledge of the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan; to determine whether pregnant women are undergoing the FAUS at the recommended gestational age by internationally recognised guidelines; to establish pregnant women’s knowledge of the purpose of the scan and their main source of information; to identify pregnant women’s expectations of the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan and to determine whether pregnant women are pleased with the overall experience of the scan, especially with the level of communication with the sonographer. The objectives of the second phase of the study were to identify clinicians’ and health professionals’ knowledge of the purpose of the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan, the ideal gestational age for it to be performed as well as the anomalies that are commonly screened for.

Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative research design was used for this research study. The data was collected using two research tools, compiled by the researcher. Two intermediaries were recruited to invite patients and members of staff to participate in the study.

Results: The findings of the first phase of the study appeared to be that the majority of pregnant women were not screened during the recommended gestational age established by globally recognized NICE guidelines; although pregnant women claimed that they were pleased with the information they received from various sources about the purpose of the scan, it transpired that few participants knew the main purpose of the scan; some women felt reassured that a ‘normal’ result signified that their baby will be born without abnormalities and women felt satisfied with the overall service of the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan. The findings of the second phase of the study were that the majority of members of staff knew the main purpose of the scan. However, they were unaware of the recommended gestational age for the scan to be performed and they were unfamiliar with the abnormalities that are typically screened for during the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan.

Conclusion: To the researcher’s knowledge, this research study is the first of its kind to provide insight into the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan service provided in Malta. The consequent findings and recommendations made by the researcher make for a potential improvement in the clinical setting for patients, clinicians and health professionals and provide new opportunities for further research in the field.