Experts' views on the implementation of the prenatal screening decision aid in Iran: A qualitative study

Razieh Zahedi; Leila  Nemati-Anaraki; Shahram Sedghi; Mamak Shariat

doi:10.18502/npt.v9i1.7333

Razieh Zahedi Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Leila Nemati-Anaraki Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shahram Sedghi Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mamak Shariat Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Institute of Family Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/npt.v9i1.7333

Keywords: decision making; decision support techniques; patient decision aid; prenatal diagnosis

Abstract

Background & Aim: Patient decision aids are detailed and personalized health education materials that assist patients in decision making. According to expert viewpoints, this study aimed to determine important factors in implementing the prenatal screening decision aid in Iran.

Methods & Materials: In this qualitative study, 24 experts, including seven obstetricians, four information scientists, five managers or policymakers, and eight midwives, were selected using purposive and snowball sampling approaches. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data between January 2020 and June 2020 in Tehran, Iran. A prenatal screening decision aid was presented to the participants, and we asked them to raise their concerns and thoughts regarding the factors influencing the implementation of patient decision aids. We used MAXQDA 10 and applied conventional content analysis for data analysis.

Results: Two organizational and personal factors themes were identified to implement Iran's prenatal screening decision aids.

Conclusion: We identified the viewpoints of experts regarding major factors in patient decision aids implementation for prenatal screening. Before implementing prenatal screening decision aids in Iran, it would be helpful to consider these organizational and personal factors. Prenatal screening decision aids can provide better information for pregnant women and strengthen their decision-making ability.