A qualitative secondary evaluation of statewide follow-up interviews for abnormal newborn screening results for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell hemoglobinopathy

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to assess parental acceptability of large-scale, telephone follow-up regarding their infants newborn screening (NBS) results, indicating carrier status for sickle cell hemoglobinopathy (SCH) and cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: Analysis of 195 interview transcripts focused on parents' responses to two open-ended questions: "What was your reaction to being called by me?" and "What do you think of the state NBS program having follow-up people calling parents like you?" Responses were coded using conventional content analysis procedures, and nonparametric tests were performed to analyze quantitative data. Results: Most parents reported favorable opinions about the follow-up. Favorable opinions were associated with several emotional reactions to receiving follow-up (P <0.001) and three reasons why parents found the interview beneficial (P < 0.05): it provided information, clarified NBS results, and answered questions. Seventeen parents of SCH carriers reportedly had not been told their infants NBS results and received them for the first time during the follow-up interview. Conclusion: Parents of CF and SCH carrier infants had favorable opinions and identified specific benefits to receiving follow-up contact. This analysis demonstrates an information deficit among carrier parents and illustrates the importance of NBS follow-up and need for comprehensive communication and counseling.