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It takes time, experience and training to gain the confidence needed to tackle the difficult topic of fetal abnormality. ARC training enables the health professional to be able to respond both practically and emotionally to parents’ needs. "It is crucial that parents and health care professionals are well informed about the choices available to women in relation to antenatal screening. ARC contributes significantly to this process by providing high quality information and support for parents and high quality training for health professionals’" Dramatic developments in antenatal care have led to many new ways to screen for and diagnose abnormality. Parents are now faced with the need to make difficult decisions based on complex information. Health professionals need to be able to give this information in a clear non-directive manner and interpret the information in a way that is appropriate for parents’ needs. This is not an easy task as the language that is used centres around terms such as 'risk', 'probability' and 'chance'. Furthermore, the way in which information is delivered can lessen anxiety and make a real difference to the parents’ experience of antenatal care. Most pregnancies do result in a healthy baby, but for parents who receive the news that their unborn baby has an abnormality the result comes as a great shock. Therefore the need to communicate this information in a clear yet sensitive manner is paramount. ARC is unique in that it is the only organisation of its kind working directly with parents at all stages of the screening process - and beyond. This allows ARC to offer professional training based on parents’ experience of antenatal screening and testing, as well as their experience when faced with a diagnosis of fetal abnormality.
"The majority of babies and pregnancies are normal but, sadly, about 2% of babies have a serious problem. This usually occurs unexpectedly and without warning. Many of these problems can be detected by a variety of tests. Prenatal screening and diagnosis have become a fundamental part of antenatal care. All parents now have to consider whether to have such tests or not. This unfortunately can cause anxiety and in particular lead to difficulties if the tests are 'positive' i.e. indicate that the baby may have an abnormality. Further decisions may then have to be made about other tests, or whether to see other specialists. Ultimately, the heartbreaking question of whether to continue with the pregnancy may have to be faced. ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices) is a wonderful organisation which exists to help parents with such dilemmas. ARC works together with hospital staff and other professionals in order to improve the care that parents receive. We all value their work highly and have cause to be very grateful." Professor Charles H. Rodeck
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Contact ARC for details of future courses.
Level 2 - Supporting Parents' Decisions
To become a professional Member of ARC and support our work download and complete the membership form.
ARC Offer a range of highly regarded literature for parents, families and professionals.
When a baby has an abnormality: a study of parents' experiences.
Tel: 0207 631 0285 ARCs helpline is also available for professionals. |
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