How Well Do Patients Clearly Understand Invasive Prenatal Genetic Diagnostic Testing? [38L]

INTRODUCTION: To determine patient clarity of the perceived benefits/drawbacks about invasive prenatal genetic diagnostic testing (PGDT). METHODS: Cross-sectional design. Voluntary, anonymous questionnaire (Q) assessing patient's decision making process in regards to invasive (CVS and/or amniocentesis) PGDT. Qs (paper and online options) were distributed between 2017 and 2018 to those recommended for PGDT in a university academic practice. Questions (5 items on clarity, 5-point Likert scale) were structured to evaluate patient decisional clarity, and were partly adapted from published validated Q's. Exclusion criteria: English or Spanish illiterate. Means, variances (SD), and ranges were tabulated. RESULTS: 50 female patients returned the study; 38 (76%) completed it in entirety. 75% had equal PGDT decision making with their partner. Most were referred due to a positive carrier screen followed by positive cell free DNA result. Participants expressed high clarity of understanding advantages and disadvantages of PGDT (mean 3.28 on a 1=no clarity to 5=high clarity scale, SD 0.94). CONCLUSION: Patients have a clear understanding of PGDT; this may be attributable to in office counseling (MD and/or genetic counselors) done prior to decision making.