Antenatal screening for haemoglobinopathies in primary care: a whole system participatory action research project.

Background: The usual system for antenatal screening for haemoglobinopathies permits termination only late in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Aim: To evaluate a system where pregnant women are screened in general practice, and to develop a model of care pathway or whole system research able to bring into view unexpected effects of health service innovation.

Design Of Study: A whole system participatory action research approach was used.