Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Computerized Adaptive Testing System of Functional Assessment of Stroke
Published on: January 7, 2019
Development and testing of the KnowGene scale to assess general cancer genetic knowledge related to multigene panel
Meghan Underhill-Blazey1, Jill Stopfer1, Anu Chittenden1
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Simmons College, United States.
Purpose:
To develop and evaluate a measure of cancer genetics knowledge relevant to multigene panel testing.
Methods:
The instrument was developed using systematic input from a national panel of genetics experts, acceptability evaluation by patient advocates, and cognitive testing. Twenty-four candidate items were completed by 591 breast or gynecological patients who had undergone genetic counseling and multigene panel testing in the past 18 months. A unidimensional item response theory model was fit with a mix of 2-parameter logistic nested response (2 plnrm) and 2-parameter logistic (2 pl) items.
Results:
Key domains addressing cancer genetics knowledge were found to be overlapping. Of the 24 candidate items, 8 items were removed due to poor discrimination or local dependence. The remaining 16 items had good fit (RMSEA = 0.045, CFI = 0.946) and discrimination parameters ranging from 0.49 to 1.60. The items specified as 2 plnrm distinguish between those answering incorrect versus don't know, with discrimination ranging from 0.51 to 1.02. Information curves were highest among those with lower knowledge.
Conclusion:
KnowGene is a rigorously developed and effective measure of knowledge after cancer genetic counseling and multigene panel testing.
Practice Implications:
Measuring knowledge in a systematic way will inform practice and research initiatives in cancer genetics.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
In Vitro Drug Release Testing: Overview, Development and Validation
Testes: Histology
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Complementation Tests
Organisms heterozygous for different mutations are crossed pairwise in all combinations. If present on different genes, the mutations can complement each other by providing the missing...
Testes: Gross Anatomy
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Significance Testing: Overview
Testing Water Quality

