Balancing Needs and Autonomy: The Involvement of Pregnant Women's Partners in Decisions About cfDNA. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farrell, Ruth M.; Mercer, MaryBeth; Agatisa, Patricia K.; Coleridge, Marissa B.
• Is Part Of: Qualitative health research. Volume 29:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: prenatal genetic testing -- cell-free fetal DNA -- decision-making -- partners -- prenatal -- screening -- genetics -- genomics -- qualitative -- grounded theory -- cross-sectional -- midwest US; Health -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 610.7205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049732318796833
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7323

Abstract

Cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) screening is used to identify the presence of fetal genetic variants early in pregnancy. Patients' informed decision-making is central to the success of this new screen in clinical practice. Although research has focused on pregnant women's decision-making, little is known about partners' role and preferences as a member of the decision-making dyad. Using a grounded theory approach, this study analyzed 23 in-depth interviews to examine partners' perspectives about cfDNA screening and preferences with respect to their role in the decision-making process. Participants wished to be actively involved in testing decisions. They articulated a distinct set of needs and preferences in the decision-making process. Such involvement was hindered by several biological and logistical barriers. This study demonstrates the need to develop mechanisms that foster informed decision-making for cfDNA screening and related new reproductive genetic technologies that focus on not just the pregnant woman but also the decision-making dyad that includes her partner as well.