A WeChat-Based Decision Aid Intervention to Promote Informed Decision-Making for Family Members Regarding the Genetic...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Oncology
• Decision Science

Background:

• Identifying inherited colorectal cancer (CRC) syndromes is crucial, but genetic testing uptake remains low due to decisional conflict.
• Strategies are needed to promote informed decision-making and optimize genetic service resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a decision aid (DA) tool can enhance informed decision-making for colorectal cancer (CRC) genetic testing among family members.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 82 family members of CRC patients, comparing a DA intervention with usual care.
• Primary outcomes included knowledge, decisional conflict, and decision self-efficacy, assessed via WeChat.
• Generalized estimating equation models were used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• The DA group showed significant improvements in knowledge, decisional conflict, and decision self-efficacy compared to the usual care group.
• The DA intervention also led to better processed/red meat intake and healthy lifestyle scores.
• No significant differences were observed in other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions:

• A decision aid tool offers a safe, effective, and resource-efficient method for facilitating informed genetic testing decisions.
• Optimization of the DA tool, potentially using more advanced technology than WeChat, is suggested for future development.