PRENATAL COUNSELING - A STATEWIDE TELEPHONE SERVICE

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 60  (2) , 243-246
Abstract
The University of Michigan [Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA] has provided a statewide prenatal counseling service for obstetricians and pregnant patients since 1974. On a toll-free telephone hot line, 5204 inquiries have been made, relating to genetic conditions, exposure to potential teratogens, and obstetric or medical complications during early pregnancy. Up-to-date and accurate information has been supplied by a team of nurses and physicians with backgrounds in genetics or maternal-fetal medicine. Calls were taken by perinatal nurse counselors and referred to the appropriate medical specialist. The number of inquiries has increased from 3/wk in 1974 to 30/wk in 1981. Genetic amniocenteses, performed in response to 46% of all inquiries, provided financial support for the project. Statewide use of this self-supported prenatal counseling service is encouraging. This format should be used at other institutions.

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