Neurosurgical input at pre-natal counselling for parents of babies with Spina bifida

Abstract

Prenatal counselling can be helpful to parents in making a decision with regard to continuation of the pregnancy or to help prepare for the birth and the future life of a child with Spina bifida. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of our specialist neuro counselling sessions and to highlight areas that could be improved upon. This was in the form of a questionnaire given to parents, who had been through the counselling and continued with their pregnancy. The areas highlighted for improvement were more explicit information about urinary catheterisation, the need for admission to the special care baby unit (SCBU) and the need for an information leaflet on Spina bifida.

Prenatal counselling for congenital anomalies: a systematic review

“…Various professionals were involved in prenatal counselling, often depending on the type of anomaly (Figure ). Parents expressed a preference for the counsellor to be a knowledgeable and empathetic health professional who would be involved in their child's future care . In one study, parental preference was based on who could provide information earliest .…”

“…The only exception to this was pregnancy termination; a topic ranked higher by cardiologists, than parents. In a small study involving parents of babies with spina bifida, however, the importance of receiving information to assist decisions about termination was highlighted …”

“…Eight studies reported on the provision of information about relevant support groups or charity organisations; overall, this information was well received and utilised by parents . Parents in eight studies received written information, which was perceived as useful, although not as important as the face‐to‐face consultation …”

“…Parents expressed a preference for the counsellor to be a knowledgeable and empathetic health professional who would be involved in their child's future care. 14,20,23,26,27,31,32 In one study, parental preference was based on who could provide information earliest. 16 A multidisciplinary approach was found to be beneficial in reducing anxiety, 14 with parents appreciating the presence of both a surgeon and nurse.…”

“…In a small study involving parents of babies with spina bifida, however, the importance of receiving information to assist decisions about termination was highlighted. 31…”