Acceptability and feasibility of maternal screening for Group B Streptococcus: a rapid review.

BackgroundThe risks and benefits of maternal screening for GBS during pregnancy or the intrapartum period are widely debated, since screen positive results trigger prophylactic antibiotic use. There is little known about womens and health professionals views regarding GBS screening. ObjectivesTo conduct a rapid review to synthesise evidence on women and health professionals: (1) knowledge and awareness of; (2) preferences for; and (3) acceptability of GBS screening programmes, and (4) how feasible they are to implement. MethodLiterature searches were conducted using online databases from their inception to 2023. Papers were included if they reported primary research from the perspectives of health professionals and women, about their knowledge and awareness, preferences, acceptability and feasibility of different types of GBS screening programmes. Data were assessed for confidence using GRADE- CERQual and analysed using a convergent synthesis approach. Findings42 papers were eligible for inclusion. A total of 16,306 women and professionals were included. Women generally did not have extensive knowledge about GBS. Health professionals had a higher level of knowledge than women. Women were generally (but not universally) positive about GBS testing procedures. Some women were concerned about the impact on their place of birth. Discussion and ConclusionWhere GBS screening programmes are available, parents must be provided with high quality information about them. Health professionals and service managers need to weigh up the benefits and risks of screening for GBS with local feasibility and treatment options, and with womens individual values and birth plans. Statement of significanceProblem: Maternal GBS colonisation at birth can lead to invasive GBS disease. The risks and benefits of screening for GBS during pregnancy is widely debated. What is already known: Different countries use different GBS screening strategies, such as the universal screening strategy vs risk based. What this paper adds: The World Health Organization reviewed their GBS policy guidelines in 2024. Results from this paper were used to ensure women and health professionals views were considered. This paper found that women are generally (but not universally) positive about GBS testing procedures with some concerned about the impact on their birth choices.