Hrach, Emily
(2024)
Assessing Patient Perceptions and Understandings of Genetic Testing After Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Genetic testing can help to provide an explanation for many couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, there is limited data regarding the experiences of RPL patients undergoing genetic testing. This study assessed patient experiences, perceptions, and understandings of genetic testing for RPL. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed in relevant clinics as well as through social media and support groups. In total, 115 respondents met inclusion criteria, 105 completed the survey, and all responses were analyzed. Despite ACOG and ASRM practice recommendations, only 63.7% of RPL patients were offered genetic testing on the products of conception (POC). Furthermore, only 67.9% and 54.5% were offered genetic testing for themselves and their partners, respectively. Overall, respondents recognized the potential of genetic testing to provide explanations for RPL and help plan for future pregnancies; 93.52% indicated that they would do/have done genetic testing to find an explanation for a miscarriage. Respondents who found an explanation for RPL through genetic testing were more likely to recognize the utility and limitations of genetic testing than those who did not do genetic testing or who received uninformative/negative results. Outcomes of genetic testing did not significantly impact respondents’ likelihood of utilizing reproductive technologies, additional prenatal screenings, egg/sperm donation, or adoption. Finally, 20.4% of respondents indicated that they would blame themselves if they were found to have a genetic change that explained their history of miscarriage, while only 8.3% indicated that they would blame their partner. The findings of this study indicate the need for additional patient education and resources regarding the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing for RPL as well as the need for systematic implementation of current guidelines into clinical practice. This study contributes to the field of public health by identifying ways that genetic counselors can improve patient education and support more standardized and equitable implementation of guidelines.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
16 May 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
27 March 2024 |
| Approval Date: |
16 May 2024 |
| Submission Date: |
16 April 2024 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
83 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Genetic Counseling |
| Degree: |
MS - Master of Science |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Recurrent pregnancy loss, pregnancy loss, miscarriage, genetic, genetics, genetic testing, perceptions, understandings, patient perceptions, patient understandings |
| Date Deposited: |
16 May 2024 20:16 |
| Last Modified: |
16 May 2024 20:16 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46122 |
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