A Comprehensive Program Enabling Effective Delivery of Regional Genetic Counseling

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Access to genetic counseling is crucial for hereditary cancer risk assessment.
• Geographic barriers can limit access to specialized genetic services for cancer patients.
• Integrating telemedicine and patient navigation can potentially overcome these access challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a comprehensive program for delivering genetic counseling to ovarian and breast cancer patients.
• To assess the impact of management-based evidence, telemedicine, and patient navigation on service utilization.
• To determine the program's effectiveness in a large, geographically dispersed healthcare system.

Main Methods:

• Patients with newly diagnosed ovarian and breast cancer were identified via the cancer registry (2013-2015).
• Referral patterns and genetic testing outcomes were tracked and compared annually.
• Statistical analysis (chi-squared or Fisher exact test) was used to compare outcomes before and after program implementation.

Main Results:

• Ovarian cancer referrals increased from 37% to 96%, and testing from 24% to 53%.
• Triple-negative breast cancer referrals rose to 91%, and testing to 86%.
• Genetic testing increased in younger breast cancer patients (under 45) from 66% to 82%.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive program utilizing evidence-based management, telemedicine, and patient navigation enhances genetic counseling access.
• This integrated approach effectively addresses geographic barriers in healthcare delivery for cancer patients.
• The program demonstrates significant improvements in genetic counseling and testing uptake for ovarian and breast cancer.