Parent and pediatric nurse practitioner views on integrating the digital TELL tool intervention into clinical practice.
Patricia E Hershberger, Kirby Adlam, Martha Driessnack and 5 others
PMID 40016012WHAT IT FOUND
Parents using donated gametes or embryos said the TELL Tool gave them confidence to talk with their children.
Pediatric nurse practitioners would welcome it as a supplement, but all but one wanted proof it works and hands-on access first.
Key findings
01All 10 parents said the TELL Tool served its purpose and gave them confidence to talk with their child about genetic origins.
02All 10 pediatric nurse practitioners said they would welcome the TELL Tool in practice, but all but one said they would need evidence that it is effective and reliable and personal access to it first.
03Pediatric nurse practitioners identified lack of knowledge about donor conception as a concern, and three reported feeling inadequately prepared to respond therapeutically to parents and children about disclosure.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study interviewed only 10 parents and 10 pediatric nurse practitioners, so it captures a small group's views rather than a broad pattern. Parents and pediatric nurse practitioners were mostly White, and all pediatric nurse practitioners identified as heterosexual or straight, limiting diversity. The parents had no children over 12 years of age, so views about disclosure with adolescents were not represented. The study was done in the United States, so practice systems and access may differ elsewhere. Pediatric nurse practitioners received a TELL Tool information sheet before the interview, and researchers were available to review it with them, so their views reflect first exposure with support rather than routine use. The study reports views and feasibility, not whether the TELL Tool improves disclosure, child wellbeing, or family relationships.
Declared interests
One author received honoraria for speaking at the 2022 Midwest Reproductive Symposium International and the 2024 The Donor Egg Meeting. The TELL Tool is copyrighted by the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois Chicago. The authors report no monetary compensation for its use and say they aim to keep it cost free for families.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the positive views as proof that the TELL Tool improves disclosure or family outcomes. This study reports opinions from 10 parents and 10 pediatric nurse practitioners, and the pediatric nurse practitioners said they would need evidence that the tool is effective and reliable before recommending it.