Exploring and Understanding Diagnosis and Choice in Pregnancy.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring and understanding diagnosis and choice in pregnancy and issues of associated loss.
IRAS ID
149604
Contact name
Gayle Letherby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Plymouth University
Research summary
Antenatal screening tests offered to women, such as blood tests and scans can identify a baby who is more likely to have a defect. They are non-invasive and low risk to baby and mother, but can only make a prediction, not a definite diagnosis. There is a margin for error in the tests, so they only indicate who might be at 'high risk' and offer pregnant women the opportunity to have diagnostic tests. However, there is a paucity of research which explores why women(with their partners and significant others (PSO)) choose to have the tests they do, or which seeks to explore women's understanding of the options available to them, the risks associated and potential losses which may be experienced.
The aim of this study is to explore lay understandings of,and decision making related to the uptake of screening and diagnostic testing services which are offered during pregnancy. This will enable a deeper exploration of understandings of risk, decision making and choice from the perspective of women and their PSO.
Using an ethnographic approach, qualitative data will be collected through in-depth
interviews with women and their PSO.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1045
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion