Improved Prenatal Genetic Screening Decision Making Through Interactive Technology

Prenatal genetic screening has grown at a rapid rate and whole genome sequence of an unborn fetus is expected to be widely available in the next few years. However, significant barriers remain for effectively informing couples about their risks and options for identifying and managing chromosomal anomalies and heritable conditions during pregnancy. It is widely recognized that current standards for patient education in this domain are largely ineffective. Decisions about prenatal screening are based on pregnant couples' values and knowledge so clinicians are often challenged with being informative but non-directive. Prenatal screening has grown significantly in recent years because the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends prenatal care providers now offer all women prenatal genetic screening in the first trimester of pregnancy, regardless of age, or genetic risk status. This has moved the focus of prenatal screening from a subset of higher risk pregnant couples to all pregnant couples and to an earlier time in pregnancy.

To address these information needs, we are undertaking a novel approach to inform couples about screening. "Gaming" tools have demonstrated promising outcomes for improved health care decision-making and compliance with health recommendations. In contrast to other computer applications for the dissemination of information, game technology goes beyond information delivery and engages users in different life choice scenarios. Further, these tools can assess whether the attractiveness (or unattractiveness) of different simulated choices can offer insights about one's values. In this value-laden context, the game allows individuals to explore their personal values in a non-directive fashion and allows a comparison of the game choices and values with an individual's reproductive partner.

The purpose of this application is to 1) develop a prenatal screening gaming application prototype (PS-GAP) and 2) conduct a preliminary assessment of the PS-GAP on knowledge, satisfaction, and decisional conflict about prenatal genetic screening for pregnant women and their partners.