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Situation analysis of prenatal diagnosis technology utilization in China: Current situation, main issues, and policy implications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 2004

Yingyao Chen ,
Xu Qian ,
Zhiliu Tang ,
H. David Banta ,
Fangfang Hu ,
Jianwen Cao ,
Jiayan Huang ,
Qian Wang ,
Jun Lv  and
Xianghua Ying
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Yingyao Chen
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Xu Qian
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Zhiliu Tang
Affiliation:
Fudan University
H. David Banta
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Fangfang Hu
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Jianwen Cao
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Jiayan Huang
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Qian Wang
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Jun Lv
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Xianghua Ying
Affiliation:
Fudan University
Jie Chen
Affiliation:
Fudan University
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Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe the situation with the distribution and utilization of prenatal diagnosis technology in China, to identify some important barriers to prenatal diagnosis use, and to suggest changes to improve the present situation.

Methods: The study uses cross-sectional surveys to capture quantitative data from both providers and consumers. Qualitative information based on focus group discussions is also presented.

Results: A mail survey of the provincial Bureaus of Health (BOHs) reveals that sixteen provincial prenatal diagnosis centers and twelve city level centers were accredited by the BOHs by July of 2001. These centers were located in thirteen provinces, of thirty in all of China. Of 147 selected institutions surveyed separately, 90.5 ercent offer ultrasound examination, 72.1 percent provide pathogen tests (mainly Toxoplasma, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex or TORCH), 57.1 percent do biochemical tests, 21.8 percent have genetic counseling, 13.6 percent do karyotype testing, 7.5 percent do enzymology testing, and 5.4 percent carry out molecular genetic testing. Chromosome diseases, congenital diseases, and several gene diseases are the target diseases. According to qualitative data, macromanagement for prenatal diagnosis, supplier provision of tests, and population demand are the main influences on prenatal diagnosis use.

Conclusions: From the quantitative and qualitative analysis, it is clear that the technology of prenatal diagnosis is not diffusing well throughout China and is apparently not appropriately used. The situation of prenatal diagnosis has implications for policy-makers, including identification of priorities, regulation of prenatal diagnosis, strategic planning, development of guidelines based on health technology assessment, and consumer orientation.

Keywords

Situation analysisPrenatal diagnosisTechnology utilization
Type
GENERAL ESSAYS
Information
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care , Volume 20 , Issue 4 , November 2004 , pp. 524 - 530
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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