Exploring patient preferences for TOPFA methods
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring patient preferences for Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly (TOPFA) methods
IRAS ID
257325
Contact name
Stephen Robson
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Termination of pregnancy (TOP) is a sensitive and emotional area of study, particularly if the pregnancy involves a fetal anomaly. A recent UK survey showed that most women with a diagnosis of fetal anomaly are not offered a choice of method of termination, between medical (by tablets where the patient is awake throughout the procedure) and surgical (by an operation where the patient is asleep for the procedure). However there is evidence from the United States that women value the ability to choose the method of termination, but that decisions are highly personal and may affect the recovery following the ending of a wanted pregnancy. Our aim is to explore what women think about having a choice regarding a medical or surgical termination of pregnancy following a diagnosis of fetal anomaly (TOPFA). The Fetal Medicine Unit at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital NHS Trust is one of the few in the UK that offers both methods of termination of pregnancy. It is thus uniquely placed for the investigation of this choice among women. The aim of this study is to provide the context, understanding and evidence of the value that women attach to having the option to choose a method of termination following a diagnosis of fetal anomaly. This will be done by semi-structured interviews with 15-20 women conducted over the telephone or face-to-face if the participant prefers. Women will be recruited through a specialist service evaluation survey 8-12 weeks after the procedure. This is part of an ongoing evaluation commissioned by NHS England. The transcribed and anonymised interviews will be analysed thematically with the help of qualitative data management software, and the results shared widely within relevant healthcare professional networks, and through conferences and peer-reviewed publications, with the aim of improved service provision for women facing bereavement in their pregnancy.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NE/0034
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion