Evaluation of attitudes and behaviors of obstetricians in pre-natal screening and process management in terms of medical ethics

TThe use of prenatal screening tests (PST), especially for the screening of fetal aneuploidy in the prenatal period, is a very important part of prenatal care. The presentation of PST to the patient is critical for patient-centred counselling and informed decision making. In addition, ethical debates continue regarding the routine use of PTT, the practice of selective termination of pregnancy in cases where fetal abnormalities are detected, and clinician attitudes and behaviours in the clinical management of continuing pregnancies. The aim of this study was to determine the current practices and attitudes of obstetricians and gynaecologists with regard to current PTT practices, to identify any differences between their practices and attitudes, to determine the reasons for these differences, and to evaluate their attitudes and behaviours on the basis of the basic principles of medical ethics. The study was designed as a cross-sectional causal epidemiological study. Data were collected between 01/02/2021 and 31/07/2021 using an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire was sent to members of the Turkish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (TJOD) and closed social media groups of gynaecologists and obstetricians by email and message. Responses from 194 participants were included in the analysis. Our study found that, similar to studies in the literature on this topic, there were large variations between health care providers in the provision of information and counselling on prenatal screening. The short time available for counselling and concerns about the inadequate level of training and awareness of service providers by doctors were identified as the main barriers. Structured clinical counselling practices that empower and educate women and their families to make informed choices can particularly benefit those who may be overlooked by the busy and overburdened health care system. We also believe that improving health literacy in the community can influence the behaviour of clinicians.