Effects of Systematic Referral to Genetic Counseling in High-Risk Women With and Without a College Degree

Authors

Sarah Knerr, University of Washington; Group Health Research InstituteFollow
M. Robyn Andersen, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Charles W. Drescher, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Pacific Gynecology Specialists; University of Washington
Robert Resta, Swedish Medical Center
Michelle Hager, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Carole Shaw, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Kate Watabayashi, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Nicole Urban, University of Washington; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Publication Date

8-15-2016

Keywords

genetic services utilization, health care disparities

Abstract

Background/Aims: Systematically identifying and referring women at high risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer to genetic counseling may minimize disparities in genetic services utilization. Our aims were to examine the effect of systematic referral on changes in testing-related cognitions and genetic services utilization and to test for effect-modification by education level.

Methods: In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, high-risk women (n = 625) were identified through electronic medical record data and mailed risk-assessment questionnaires. Women that provided informed consent were randomized to either referral to genetic counseling (n = 228) or standard clinical care (n = 230).

Results: Referral was associated with a 78% higher probability of participation in genetic counseling (95% confidence interval: 72%–83%, P < 0.01) and a 23% higher probability of undergoing genetic testing (95% confidence interval: 16%–30%, P < 0.01) compared to standard clinical care. There was no evidence of differential intervention effects by education level, though exploratory analyses showed women with at least a college degree had larger increases in ovarian cancer relative risk perceptions from baseline to directly following genetic counseling.

Conclusion: Systematically identifying and referring high-risk women to genetic counseling using electronic medical record data and mailed risk-assessment questionnaires increased genetic services utilization, regardless of education level. Widespread dissemination of similar approaches may lead to more equitable genetic services delivery and improve cancer-related outcomes for high-risk women.

Recommended Citation

Knerr S, Andersen MR, Drescher CW, Resta R, Hager M, Shaw C, Watabayashi K, Urban N. Effects of systematic referral to genetic counseling in high-risk women with and without a college degree. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2016;3:193.