The use of eHealth in communication about foetal diagnostics
All pregnant women in Denmark are offered screenings for Down’s syndrome. The screenings combine the mother’s age, biophysical (ultrasound) and biochemical markers to estimate the risk of carrying an embryo with Down’s syndrome.
Pregnant women with increased risks are offered additional tests. The aim of the Down’s syndrome screenings is to assist pregnant women with their decision, and accurate information is an important precondition for that.
AIM
The general aim of the PhD project was to develop an eHealth intervention, which was to improve pregnant women’s basis for making an informed decision regarding the Down’s syndrome screenings as well as to study the impact of the intervention.
RESULTS
The study showed that an internet-based solution is a good supplement to the more traditional methods of providing information, like oral communication and written brochures regarding information about the Down’s syndrome screenings. It is important to offer different ways of obtaining information to ensure individual solutions in the future. Furthermore, the project demonstrated that the successful development of a health-related webpage is based on a well-structured process and involves relevant interests.
Mette Maria Skjøth Jane Clemensen
PROJECT PERIOD
Start: 2011
End: 2015
The project was a PhD project by Mette Maria Skjøth.
PARTNERS
The project was carried out in collaboration between CIMT, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at OUH and Lillebaelt Academy.
