Increase in Genetic Counseling and Testing Referrals After Breast Cancer Pathway Implementation

Genetic counseling and testing (GC/T) for breast cancer-associated genetic mutations are important components in the appropriate management of newly diagnosed breast cancer. We initiated pathways to help appropriately select patients who meet criteria for GC/T referral (GC/T-R) across the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute Network. This study evaluated physician pathway training as a means to improve access to GC/T-R.

In this retrospective, observational study, we collected data from 7 regions across 6 states, identifying 3,113 patients eligible for GC/T. Patients were divided into 3 defined cohorts: patients treated before implementation of pathways (n = 988), patients treated by non-pathway physicians after pathways were established (n = 1,094), and patients treated by pathway-trained physicians (n = 1,031). Pathways were established in March 2016. Nurse navigators documented eligible patients who were referred for GC/T within a care coordination software system.

Eligible patients were referred for GC/T 71.77% of the time if treated on pathways and only 36.47% of the time if treated off pathways. On-pathway patients eligible for GC/T also received testing referral at a higher rate than pre-pathway patients (21.36%).

After implementation of pathways and appropriate training of physicians on those pathways, GC/T-R among appropriate patients significantly improved. Pathway training represents a potential solution to improve GC/T-R among patients with breast cancer.