An evaluation of a shared experience group for women following prenatal diagnosis and termination for a fetal abnormality
Support After Fetal Diagnosis of Abnormality (SAFDA), is a facilitated shared experience group for women in Victoria, Australia who have had a termination for a fetal abnormality. SAFDA is held at a tertiary maternity hospital, and five, two-hour groups are held each year with approximately 4-5 persons attending per group. Partners, other family and support people are welcomed to attend. The facilitators are a social worker and a genetic counsellor.
A questionnaire-based study was undertaken between 2001 and 2005 to evaluate SAFDA. The de-identified questionnaire included questions relating to the referring professional, participants’ prior expectations of the group, helpfulness of participation, preferred group format, length and venue. In addition to these questions which required participants to rate SAFDA, there was also opportunity for participants to make general comments on their experiences.
Questionnaires were completed at the end of each group. A total of 85 participants (100% response) completed the questionnaire. The main referring health professional was a genetic counsellor (64%). Seventy-one participants (84%) considered it ‘very helpful’ to participate in the group. Seventy-eight participants (92%) considered that a shared-experience group was the most beneficial format. Seventy-eight participants (92%) considered that the size of the group was ‘just right’. Comments written by participants affirmed that the present format of SAFDA was a highly valued opportunity to listen to and share experiences in a confidential small group.