Informed choice and public health screening for children: the case of blood spot screening

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2005.00324.x
• Publication Date: 2005-04-28T12:52:18Z
• Authors: Katrina M. Hargre...; Ruth J. Stewart; Sandy R. Oliver
• Keywords: Dissent; Health Professionals; Dried blood spot; Risk Communication

To examine parents' and health professionals' views on informed choice in newborn blood spot screening, assess information communication needs.A qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews focus groups with 47 parents of children who were either found to be affected or unaffected by the screened conditions, 35 professionals differing roles screening programmes across UK.Parents recognize a tension between public for children. Some propose resolving this more better communication, some rigorous dissent procedures. This paper argues that neither extensive parent information, nor signed model adequately address tension. Instead, clear, brief accurate effective parents, which take into account needs, are required, if coexist successfully.