Involvement of persons with lived experience of a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect: An explorative study to gain insights into perspectives on future research

Abstract

Background A prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart defect in the fetus is a traumatic life event for pregnant women and their partners. Previous research indicates a need for research that takes steps to support these individuals following the diagnosis. Patient and public involvement is a proposed method of identifying relevant research topics, leading to patient-focused research protocols and relevant support interventions. The overarching aim of this study was to gain insights into relevant future research topics among persons faced with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect in the fetus. Methods One group of parents to prenatally diagnosed children with a congenital heart defect (n = 5) and one group of individuals with experience of termination of a pregnancy following a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart defect (n =5)were purposefully recruited. Each group of representatives was involved in a face-to-face focus group discussion, analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Results The representatives suggested a need for future research that addresses informational support in the forms as supplemental written information or follow-up consultations. Moreover, interventions that offer emotional support were suggested, in the forms of peer support or additional professional psychosocial support. Conclusion Several interventions were suggested by patient representatives, indicating a need for multiple intervention studies to be conducted in the context of a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart defect in the fetus. We recommend that future studies test supplemental written information, follow-up consultations, peer support, and additional professionals psychosocial support following the diagnosis.