Using the Diagnostic Guide for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Related Conditions

By

Liu, Darice Calmes, Daphne Findlay, Richard

Overview

Objectives: Primary Care Physicians at King/Drew Medical Center in South Central Los Angeles were surveyed for their knowledge and use of a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome screening tool called the Diagnostic Guide for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Related Conditions: 4-Digit Diagnostic Code (4-Digit Diagnostic Code). The objective of this study was to explore how widely used the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code is in an academic institution that serves predominantly minority populations. The study also explores the management of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Methods: Surveys were distributed during Grand Rounds and selective lectures of the Departments of Pediatrics and Family Medicine at King/Drew Medical Center and Imperial Heights Health Center, respectively. Results: Only 29% of Primary Care Physicians recognized the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome phenotype in the survey and only 25% of them did recognize that the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code was for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Only 14% of Primary Care Physicians have ever used the screening tool. Of the 14% who have used it, only 62% knew how to use the tool correctly. 63% of all Primary Care Physicians have ever managed Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and most of them tend to manage FAS by themselves. Only 23% referred patients with FAS to specialists. Pediatricians were more likely to recognize FAS and the screening tool, be familiar with the tool, use the tool, and manage patients with FAS. Their Family Medicine counterparts were less likely to recognize, be familiar or use the tool. Conclusions: There is a need for FAS education for both faculty and residents in Primary Care in order to decrease the number of cases that may be underdiagnosed. In addition, the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code should be distributed at a lower cost or provided free to all academic institutions.