Perception and knowledge of early pregnancy assessment units among perinatal practitioners in Europe

Objective To investigate perceptions of early pregnancy assessment units (EPAUs) among perinatal practitioners working in Belgium, France, and Switzerland. Methods A prospective multinational survey was conducted between September 1, 2015, and May 21, 2016. Obstetricians, gynecologists, medical doctors, radiologists, and midwives were recruited during meetings, via e‐mail invitations, or through the websites of regional obstetrics and gynecology scientific societies. The survey comprised 17 questions that assessed the participants’ knowledge, interest, and management of early pregnancy. Results Of the 871 individuals invited to participate in the survey, 306 (35.1%) responded. Most of the participants were gynecologists and/or obstetricians (225 [73.5%]). A total of 258 (84.3%) participants had no or limited knowledge about EPAUs. Furthermore, 211 (69.0%) participants reported incorrect management when they visualized a gestational sac without embryo and 265 (86.6%) misinterpreted changes in serum levels of chorionic gonadotropin during early pregnancy. In all, 201 (65.7%) participants were interested in collaboration with an EPAU; however, only 125 (40.8%) had sufficient time and resources available to support a patient's psychological distress after early pregnancy loss or salpingectomy. Conclusion Knowledge about early management of pregnancy was limited among the perinatal practitioners surveyed; however, the concept of EPAUs was welcomed by many. Perinatal practitioners in France, Switzerland, and Belgium exhibited poor knowledge about the concept of early pregnancy assessment units and their associated guidelines.