Educational videos in genetic counseling: Meeting patients where they are?

This study examined the effects of self-developed educational videos on patient satisfaction and the physician-patient relationship in genetic outpatient clinics.

Patients with suspected hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC, n = 311) or requiring exome sequencing for syndromic conditions (SYN, n = 52) were randomized to experimental or control groups. Before their consultations, the experimental group viewed videos detailing relevant genetic information. Patient and physician satisfaction and the quality of the physician-patient interaction were then assessed using questionnaires.

The videos were found to be understandable and useful. The video intervention did not affect patient or physician satisfaction scales or the physicians' workload. However, there were significant interaction effects: The video intervention was associated with significantly lower satisfaction scores among patients with SYN. Additionally, in post-hoc tests, we partially found lower satisfaction with patient decision making, as well as increased physician workload in the SYN group compared with the HBOC group.

Educational videos can improve patient satisfaction in HBOC consultations. In complex and less homogenous clinical situations, such as genetic consultation and testing for syndromic conditions, however, face-to-face physician-patient contact may be more appropriate to reduce stress and adequately address individual questions.