Qual Health Res. 2018 Sep 5:1049732318796833. doi: 10.1177/1049732318796833. [Epub ahead of print]
Balancing Needs and Autonomy: The Involvement of Pregnant Women's Partners in Decisions About cfDNA.
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.
KEYWORDS:
cell-free fetal DNA; cross-sectional; decision-making; genetics; genomics; grounded theory; midwest US; partners; prenatal; prenatal genetic testing; qualitative; screening
- PMID:
- 30182811
- DOI:
- 10.1177/1049732318796833
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