Parent Education on DNA Testing in the Newborn Screen

This project will develop video based educational materials to inform new parents about implications of DNA testing for disorders evaluated in the newborn screen, using Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Newborn Screening as a model. The investigators will optimize the impact of the video content based on focus group and post-video evaluation feedback. They will compare the efficacy of informing parents by standard written educational materials to providing an in- hospital, postpartum video presentation disseminated by an interactive hospital television network which allows on-line pre- and post-education comprehension assessments. Long-term retention of information will be evaluated. The effectiveness of education in preparing parents for the informed dissent process designed for obtaining permission to perform pilot newborn screening tests will also be assessed in this population. On demand interactive in-hospital televison education will provide a cost effective means for educating parents about genetics issues, implications of DNA based testing, and assessing their comprehension of the complex concepts.