Improving Obstetric Provider Congenital Cytomegalovirus Knowledge and Practices

Abstract

Background. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is the most common congenital infection. Antenatal education is proven to reduce cCMV risk. Little is known about obstetric provider knowledge and practice patterns around cCMV. Objectives. To evaluate obstetric provider knowledge and practice patterns regarding cCMV at baseline and again after a brief educational intervention. Methods. Obstetric providers ( N = 53 ) at a US academic community hospital were invited to complete a survey regarding their knowledge and practice patterns around cCMV. Providers attended a brief presentation about cCMV and later were invited to repeat the same survey. Univariate statistics were calculated for baseline data, and prepost intervention comparison analyses were conducted. Results. Baseline cCMV knowledge was low at 49% ( M = 17.54 out of a possible 36, SD 6.4), with most providers (51%) reporting never counseling pregnant patients about cCMV. Post intervention, overall cCMV knowledge increased to 80% ( M = 29.33 , SD 4.1, p < .001 ); provider intention to counsel about cCMV prevention increased to 100%. Conclusions. Obstetric provider knowledge about cCMV is low, which likely impacts their antenatal counseling. Educational initiatives to increase awareness about cCMV may increase antenatal education and thereby decrease the risk of cCMV.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Knowledge, Practices, and Beliefs Among Primary Care Physicians and Newborn Hospitalists

“…While studies of cCMV knowledge and practices of obstetric providers, family medicine providers in Iran, pediatric specialists, and therapists have been conducted, this study is the first to examine cCMV knowledge, practices, and beliefs among US pediatric primary care providers and newborn hospitalists. 12 , 13 , 16 - 20 …”

“…While studies of cCMV knowledge and practices of obstetric providers, family medicine providers in Iran, pediatric specialists, and therapists have been conducted, this study is the first to examine cCMV knowledge, practices, and beliefs among US pediatric primary care providers and newborn hospitalists. 12,13,[16][17][18][19][20] Our findings regarding low knowledge of neonatal presentations of cCMV as well as lower levels of comfort in caring for infants with cCMV may point to opportunities for education and clarification from professional organizations. Most participants reported that the diagnosis and management were not sufficiently covered in their medical education.…”

Survey of physician knowledge of congenital cytomegalovirus infection and clinical practices in Japan

“…Previous studies (outside of Japan) have reported that most healthcare professionals do not counsel expectant mothers on the risks and preventative behaviors for cCMVi [28–30] . The present survey not only assessed actual practice regarding education of pregnant women, but also physicians’ preferred practice.…”

The importance of regular and ongoing training for congenital CMV in countries without routine screening: A survey among pediatricians

“…Especially in countries where screening programs are not implemented, it is even more important for healthcare professionals to recognize this congenital infection, which has long-term effects. However, there are limited reports to reveal the level of knowledge of medical professionals about cCMVi and to allow the necessary improvements and interventions to be made (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13).…”