Sr. Consultant Myriad Genetics Sevierville, TN, United States
Introduction: Hereditary cancer risk assessment (HCRA), including genetic testing, is an essential component of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/Gyn) practice. However, providers may lack the time or expertise to counsel patients about genetic testing. We describe the implementation of virtual patient education (vPE) in OB/Gyn practices and its impact on patient understanding of genetic testing. Methods: HCRA processes at community OB/Gyn practices were observed over 8 weeks. Providers were trained over 4 weeks to incorporate a pre-recorded video with (Nf3 sites) or without (Nf2 sites) tele-genetic counseling. Providers then implemented (3-4 weeks) and practiced (≥4 weeks) vPE. HCRA and PE metrics were collected for 4 to 8-weeks post-intervention. Rates were compared using logistic regression and are reported with 95% exact confidence intervals (CI). Results: The percent of patients who met guidelines criteria for genetic testing and completed testing increased post-intervention (34.2%; CI 31.6%-36.8%) compared to pre-intervention (16.0%; CI 13.9%-18.2%) (p < 0.001). vPE was completed by 56.5% of patients offered education. Reasons patients did not complete vPE included being able to decide about testing already (37.4%), lack of time (19.4%), and preferring to speak with the provider (17.1%). Approximately 91% of patients who completed vPE agreed or strongly agreed that vPE helped them understand the purpose and potential outcomes of genetic testing. Providers also agreed (47.4%) or strongly agreed (39.5%) that vPE improved patient understanding of genetic testing. Conclusion/Implications: vPE improved understanding of genetic testing and enhanced OB/Gyn providers’ ability to build patients’ genetic literacy.
Disclosure(s):
Royce T. Adkins, MD: Myriad Genetics: Consultant (Ongoing)
Richard Waldman, MD: Myriad: Grant/Research Support (Ongoing)
Mark S. DeFrancesco, MD: Myriad: Grant/Research Support (Terminated, July 1, 2022)
John P. Feltz, MD: No financial relationships to disclose
Daniel Welling, MD: Myriad Genetics: Grant/Research Support (Ongoing); Women's Health CT: Grant/Research Support (Ongoing)
Wade A. Neiman, MD: Cooper Surgical: Consultant (Ongoing); Myriad Genetics: Grant/Research Support (Ongoing)
