Experiences of Informational Needs and Received Information Following a Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Defect

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the need for information and what information was actually received following a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart defect, in a country where termination of pregnancy beyond 22 weeks of gestation is not clinically performed. METHODS: Twenty-six Swedish-speaking pregnant women (n = 14) and partners (n = 12) were consecutively recruited for semi-structured telephone interviews following the prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect. Data was analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Although high satisfaction with the specialist information was described, the information was considered overwhelming and complex. Objective, honest and detailed information about multiple subjects were needed, delivered repeatedly and supplemented by written information/illustrations. Eighteen respondents had used the Internet to search for information and found issues involving searching difficulties, low quality, and that it was too complex, insufficient or unspecific. Those who terminated the pregnancy criticized that there was a lack of information about termination of pregnancy, both from health professionals and online sources, resulting in unanswered questions and unpreparedness. CONCLUSION: Individuals faced with a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart defect need individualized and repeated information. These needs are not all adequately met, as individuals are satisfied with the specialist consultation but left with unanswered questions regarding pregnancy termination