1. UK consensus guidelines for the delivery of unexpected news in obstetric ultrasound: the ASCKS framework
- Author
-
Johnson, Judith, Arezina, Jane, Alt, Siobhan, Arnold, Jon, Bailey, Sarah, Beety, Hannah, Bender-Atik, Ruth, Bryant, Louise, Coates, Jen, Collinge, Sam, Fishburn, Jo, Fisher, Jane, Fowler, Jan, Glanville, Tracey, Hallett, Julin, Harley-Roberts, Ailith, Harrison, Gill, Horwood, Karen, Hynes, Catriona, and Kimm, Lindsay
- Abstract
Background: studies indicatethere is a need to improve the delivery of unexpected news via obstetric ultrasound, but there have been few advances in this area. One factor preventing improvement has been a lack of consensus regarding the appropriate phrases and behaviours which sonographers and ultrasound practitioners should use in these situations.Aims: to develop consensus guidelines forunexpected news delivery inEarly Pregnancy Unit (EPU) and Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP) NHS settings.Methods: a workshop was conducted to identify priorities and reach consensus on areas of contention.Contributors included interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, policy experts, representatives from third-sector organisations, lay experts and academic researchers (n = 28). Written and verbal feedback was used to draft initial guidance which wasthen circulated amongstthe wider writing group (n = 39). Revisionswereundertaken untilconsensus was reached.Results: consensus guidelines were developed outliningthe behaviours and phrases which should be used during scans where unexpected findings areidentified. Specific recommendations included that: honest andclear communication should be prioritised, evenwith uncertain findings; technical terms should be used, but these should be written down together with their lay interpretations; unless expectant parents use other terminology (e.g., ‘fetus’), the term ‘baby’ should be used as a default, even in early pregnancy; atthe initial news disclosure, communication should focus oninformationprovision. Expectant parents should not be asked to make decisions during the scan.Conclusions: these recommendations can be used to develop and improve news delivery interventions inobstetric ultrasound settings.
- Published
- 2020