Development and Pilot Testing of Evidence-Based Interventions to Improve Adherence after Receiving a Genetic Result

Area of Science:

• Genomic Medicine
• Public Health Genomics
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Population genomic screening offers benefits when individuals act on results.
• A gap exists between receiving genetic information and implementing risk management.
• Interventions are needed to bridge this gap for actionable genomic results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for disease management adherence.
• To pilot EBIs for individuals identified through population genomic screening.
• To explore interventions for select genetic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Surveys and interviews identified barriers to guideline-recommended care and assessed acceptability of problem-solving (PS) and motivational interviewing (MI) EBIs.
• A design thinking workshop co-developed an MI- and PS-based intervention integrated into clinical workflows.
• Post-pilot sessions evaluated the MI/PS program's acceptability and feasibility for clinical implementation.

Main Results:

• PS and MI EBIs were found to be acceptable and feasible for individuals with genomic screening results.
• Barriers to recommended management were identified and addressed through genetic counselor outreach, barrier checklists, and tailored PS or MI delivery.
• The piloted protocol was deemed acceptable and feasible for clinicians, with suggested adaptations.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully piloted interventions to improve adherence to disease management following population genomic screening.
• Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of PS and MI EBIs in this context.
• Results will inform a future effectiveness trial to address adherence gaps for actionable genomic results.