Potential role of primary care in antenatal screening for haemoglobin disorders, study

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 27 May 2005 - 11:00 PDT

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The British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) has reported research showing that antenatal screening for haemoglobin disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia, in general practice lowers the gestational age at which an at-risk pregnancy can be identified. However, the study also reveals that communication and work practices in the healthcare system make this a difficult service to sustain.

The article in the BJGP, screened 173 women with a new pregnancy attending six general practices across north London. After participants had given their consent, they were issued with a blood test to calculate the gestational age of screening. The data were compared with two control groups: one consisting of women attending their first antenatal outpatient appointment at a local hospital, and the second group made up of pregnant women visiting a community midwife clinic. At annual workshops held over two years, primary care staff and other health professionals concluded that the logistical problems involved in antenatal screening for haemoglobin disorders in general practice did not make it a sustainable option.

Professor Paul Thomas, Professor of Primary Care Research, Education and Development at Thames Valley University and co-author said: "This study is important because although it highlights the potential role of primary care in antenatal screening for haemoglobin disorders, it also demonstrates how sharing insights between disciplines reveal problems with a particular care pathway as a whole. The study also suggests that other ways to identify at-risk women should be explored, including pre-conceptual screening."

Paul Thomas, Lola Oni, Mabel Alli, Judith St Hilaire, Alma Smith, Conan Leavey and Ricky Banarsee, "Antenatal screening for haemoglobinopathies in primary care: a whole system participatory action research project" BJGP June 2005; 55: 424-428.

The BJGP is published monthly and distributed to over 22,000 RCGP members, associates, and subscribers in more than 40 countries worldwide. Its primary purpose is to publish first-rate, peer reviewed research papers on topics relevant to primary care.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is the largest membership organisation in the United Kingdom solely for GPs. It aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and to act as the "voice" of GPs on issues concerned with education, training, research, and clinical standards. Founded in 1952, the RCGP has over 22,000 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline. http://www.rcgp.org.uk

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