Quality of written information used in down syndrome screening
Journal
Prenatal Diagnosis
Journal Volume
21
Journal Issue
2
Pages
138-142
Date Issued
2001
Author(s)
Abstract
A qualitative assessment was performed on 81 leaflets used in maternal serum Down syndrome screening from National Health Service (NHS) obstetric units and private screening services. Quality was assessed by factual content, presentation and reading ease and this was amalgamated into a single overall score expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible score. Eleven (14%) leaflets included all eight factual items recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG); only one included these and a further nine items recognised as important to the consumer. Three (4%) leaflets contained information that was incorrect and 17 (21%) that was misleading or inconsistent. Using published criteria six (7%) leaflets were well presented and ten (12%) were fairly easy to read. The average reading age was 13-14 years. The overall quality score showed that five leaflets had 80% or more of the total possible score. However a substantial number, 15 (19%), were totally unacceptable having scores of 40% or less. In general the quality of leaflets used in the UK is considered poor. A national peer-reviewed leaflet should be prepared which can be modified to suit local policy. Copyright ? 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subjects
Down syndrome; Leaflets; Screening
SDGs
Other Subjects
article; Down syndrome; national health service; prenatal diagnosis; prenatal screening; priority journal; quality control; scoring system; United Kingdom; Down Syndrome; False Positive Reactions; Female; Humans; Pamphlets; Patient Education; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Quality Control
Type
journal article