Maternal serum screening: practice patterns of physicians in Newfoundland.

Objective: To compare the utilization of the second trimester maternal serum screen (MSS) of a-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotrophin, and unconjugated estriol, in Newfoundland, by practice location, training, and gender.

Methods: Four hundred eighteen anonymous self-reported questionnaires were mailed out to all practising family physicians, general practitioners, and obstetricians in Newfoundland, who were identified through the provincial medical board. The survey included questions on demographic characteristics, provision of antenatal care, gestational age at which MSS is ordered, reasons for offering or not offering MSS, and the use of routine antenatal ultrasound. Categorical data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests, as appropriate.

Results: Overall, 63% of physicians responded to the survey. Forty percent of respondents had an urban practice. Female physicians, regardless of specialty, were more likely to offer MSS to their patients (89% vs. 78%; P = 0.04), whereas family physicians and obstetricians were more likely to offer screening than general practitioners (85% vs. 83% vs. 25%; P = 0.02). Among physicians offering MSS, 54% offered it only to women 35 years and older. Practice location did not affect whether a woman was offered MSS (P = 0.41). Twenty-five percent of family physicians offering MSS did not offer it at the appropriate gestational age of 15 to 20 weeks. Ninety-four percent of pregnant women were routinely offered an ultrasound during pregnancy.

Conclusion: The utilization of MSS in Newfoundland is affected by physician training and gender, but not by practice location. Further education of physicians is required to ensure appropriate use and timing of this screening test.