Perspectives of Women of Advanced Maternal Age on Telephonic Genetic Counselling in a South African Public Healthcare Setting.

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift from in-person to telephonic genetic counselling (TGC) for advanced maternal age (AMA) patients at Groote Schuur Hospital. While prior studies suggest that telegenetics performs comparably to in-person counselling, little qualitative research exists in low-to-middle-income countries. This study explores AMA patients' experiences with TGC post-pandemic.

METHOD: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews conducted in-person and telephonically, analysed through thematic data analysis following a phenomenological approach.

RESULTS

Participants had mixed experiences with TGC, influenced by trust-both in the genetic counsellor and the broader healthcare system. While most trusted their counsellor, some struggled with the lack of visual cues in the TGC session. Decision-making was shaped not only by risk perception and support systems, but also by emotional readiness, financial realities, and previous healthcare experiences. Participants valued TGC's convenience but noted limitations in emotional connection and partner involvement. Information sources varied, with some relying on the TGC session, while others sought additional online resources. The referral process from Midwife Obstetric Units was inconsistent, contributing to misunderstandings and broader distrust in the public health system.

CONCLUSION

Despite some challenges, most participants found TGC informative and beneficial for decision-making. Addressing structural barriers, clarifying referrals, and enhancing emotional engagement could enhance TGC services in similar settings.