The ongoing work of Prenatal Screening Ontario is best supported by the input of those who have experience with prenatal screening, as a health-care practitioner, patient or family member. Prenatal Screening Ontario (PSO) works very closely with those active in the prenatal screening community in order to gain expert advice and knowledge about the work that we do related to education, quality assurance and standards of care. 

PSO committees, working groups and task forces

Prenatal Screening Ontario (PSO) depends on input from experts and advisors from relevant fields to ensure that all the elements of a robust screening program are best carried out. 

PSO currently has three groups that facilitate partner input and advice on important operational areas: PSO Advisory Committee, Genetics Working Group, and Education Working Group. These groups are currently on hiatus, as we are revising the current governance structure to support our program's expansion. 

PSO Advisory Committee

The PSO Advisory Committee (PSO-AC) provides support to PSO and the Ministry of Health (MOH) regarding issues related to prenatal screening. Activities of the PSO Advisory Committee include:

• Providing provincial stakeholders a forum to have input on the direction of current and future PSO activities,

• Reviewing new conditions that may be amenable to systematic population screening,

• Considering and advising on strategic directions for the MOH, and for prenatal screening in Ontario,

• Identifying potential collaborative partners and initiatives to enhance screening for pregnant people in Ontario,

• Advising on social, ethical, health system, and scientific issues that affect prenatal screening in Ontario,

• Responding to questions referred to the PSO-AC by PSO, the Government of Ontario, or other stakeholders.

Please consult the Terms of Reference to find more information about the PSO Advisory Committee.

Genetics Working Group

The Genetics Working Group provides advice to PSO regarding clinical issues related to prenatal screening for genetic conditions. The group assesses the current prenatal screening algorithm and makes recommendations to improve consistency, optimization of the system, and access. Current and ongoing work includes:

• Reviewing the clinical indicators for publicly funded cfDNA screening,

• Assessing the performance of each screening test and the prenatal screening system as a whole,

• Advising PSO on the implementation of strategies for clinical changes in prenatal screening.

Please consult the Terms of Reference to find more information about the Genetics Expert Working Group.

Education Working Group

The role of the PSO Education Working group is to advise PSO in the development of PSO Education Strategies. Past and current activities include:

• Reviewing and informing the development of educational tools and decision aids, stakeholder engagement activities, content for the PSO website,

• Reviewing educational materials to ensure that they are evidence-based, applicable to the Canadian audience (i.e. health care providers and public), separate from advertising or commercial companies, as well as accessible, unique and up-to-date.

Please consult the Terms of Reference to find more information about the Education Working Group.