Risk, Age and Pregnancy: A Case Study of Prenatal Genetic Screening and Testing

by B. Heyman, M. Henriksen

Overview

Risk, Age and Pregnancy provides an in-depth case study of the operation of a prenatal genetic screening and testing system. The methodology integrates observational, qualitative interview and survey data. The perspectives of pregnant women, hospital doctors and midwives are explored in depth, as is the communication between women and the hospital doctors who advise them. The book offers insights which are relevant to those concerned with the rapidly growing field of genetic risk management.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333739402
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	03/13/2001
Edition description:	2001
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	1420L (what's this?)

About the Author

BOB HEYMAN is Professor of Health Research and Director of Research at St Bartholomew School of Nursing and Midwifery at City University, London. He is editor of Researching User Perspectives on Community Health and Risk, Health and Health Care: A Qualitative Approach.

METTE HENRIKSEN is a Registered Midwife and a Research Student at the University of Northumbria.

Table of Contents

Dedication List of Tables and Figures Introduction The Constitution of Down's Syndrome as a Risk Entity Age and Pregnancy The Offer of Genetic Screening/Testing Women's Decisions about Genetic Tests I: Values and Probabilities Women's Decisions about Genetic Tests II: Time Management and Outcomes The Hospital Consultation I: The Pre-test Risk of Genetic Abnormalities The Hospital Consultation II: Risk And Genetic Screening/Testing Conclusions References Index

Editorial Reviews

Research papers abound on the ethics and design and operation of health screening programs. Through a case study at a British maternity hospital of a genetic screening and testing program for such chromosomal abnormalities as Down's syndrome, the authors explore the little-researched area of the complexity of population- based screening systems. Figures and tables summarize risk factors, and the responses of some 1,600 near-term pregnant women and hospital staff interviewed regarding appropriate parental age and genetic testing participation. The clearly stated study conclusions have implications for practice. Heyman is a health research professor at St. Bartholomew's School of Nursing and Midwifery at City U. in London. Henriksen is a registered midwife and student at the U. of Northumbria. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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