Évaluation des pratiques de dépistage de la trisomie 21 au sein du réseau de périnatalité de Basse-Normandie.

Background: Combined trisomy 21 screening in the first trimester is now the reference since 2007 HAS’s recommendations. Sonographists must get an identification number given by the local perinatality health network through a professional practice assessment procedure (PPA). The aim of this study was to evaluate screening practices in Basse Normandie, the brakes on getting an EPP, the self-evaluation habits acquired by practitioners who got an EPP, and the way patients are informed about screening modalities. Methods: Descriptive study was conducted from May to August 2016. A form was sent to sonographers practicing in Normandy, their number being evaluated at 78. Results: 47 forms were analyzed. 36 practitioners had an identification number, 35 of them adhered to the perinatal network of Basse Normandie and 29 routinely evaluated Herman’s score during nuchal translucency evaluation. 11 practitioners, 8 of whom did not join the network, did not perform combined screening, justifying this with a lack of screening practice and lack of time to get an EPP. Information on screening procedures was provided in 76.6% number of cases. Conclusion: Seven years after 2009 decree, full adherence to EPP programs is not achieved to get an optimal and consistent screening. Registration of practitioners to perinatal networks seems to favor the validation of EPP. This quality control approach encourages the practitioners to learn how to self-assess their subsequent exercise and, thereby, improve the quality of screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]