We’ve published new guidance for screening professionals to support women with learning disabilities and their partners to access and understand antenatal and newborn (ANNB) screening.
Discussing aspects of ANNB screening with women or parents with learning disabilities can be challenging for health professionals who do not do this regularly. The guidance contains information and resources to help health professionals have conversations in an appropriate and sensitive way.
What you can do
Screening providers can offer support before and during the screening appointment. For example, before the appointment you can:
- discuss any adjustments an individual might need or communication needs they might have
- show or explain to the woman what will happen during the appointment
- give the woman the chance to meet the members of the healthcare team most likely to provide care
Some of the things you can do during the appointment include:
- using simple language and avoiding long words and long sentences
- speaking slowly and clearly, and stopping to check understanding at regular points
- showing the woman or parents the relevant ‘Screening tests for you and your baby’ easy guide leaflet and discussing it with them
The guidance also includes information about making a best interest decision, if a woman or parents are unable to make their own decision about ANNB screening.
PHE Screening blog
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