Screening infants for neuroblastoma: the parents' perspective in false-positive cases.
The objective of this study was to ascertain the reactions and experiences of parents whose children were defined as false-positive cases in a research program of screening 6-month-old babies for neuroblastoma. Parents of seven of the eight infants falling into this category participated in the study. Parents of five children described themselves as worried/very worried at the positive result, some contemplating the treatment involved and the possibility that their child could die. Parents waited a maximum of 3 days before the clinical investigations took place. The mother of one child was dissatisfied with the handling of the investigations, reporting a lack of information and little opportunity to discuss questions; she was subsequently more anxious about her child. Parents of two children reported lasting "concerns" that they attributed to neuroblastoma screening.
Bell
S
S
Department of Child Health, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Parker
L
L
Cole
M
M
Craft
A W
AW
D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology