Objective: Advances in ultrasound technology in prenatal scanning have led to increased detection of congenital heart defects. In a setting of great emotional distress affected parents need understand the abnormality so as to make an informed decision concerning pregnancy continuation. A computer learning aide may allow such parents to review the information provided at a time of their choosing.
Methods: A CDROM was developed to include information on normal heart structure and function, and ultrasound technology. Common abnormalities and their management options were developed, further enhanced by colour animations modified from diagrams on the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, website. The diagrams showed direction of blood flow with varying colouration showing the degree of oxygenation. Five abnormalities were covered: ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, Fallot’s tetralogy, hypoplastic left heart syndrome and tricuspid atresia. Once the abnormality was diagnosed, parents were offered the CDROM, and then asked to complete a questionnaire. They were only provided the code to review the specific diagnosis in their fetus.
Results: To date, a total of 17 patients have been recruited. The responses highlighted strengths and weaknesses of the information provided but uniformly suggested that the CDROM was helpful, especially the diagrams provided, though there was a varying response as to the amount of medical detail requested.
Conclusions: The results suggest such an aide helps distressed patients understand their fetal cardiac abnormality. Other fetal abnormalities should be included for use in clinical practice.