Digital genetic counseling services for cascade cardiogenetic testing.

Area of Science:

• Cardiogenetics
• Genetic Counseling
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Limited literature exists on user perspectives regarding digital tools for cascade testing.
• Digital interventions offer potential for enhanced accessibility and efficiency in genetic counseling services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore attitudes and perspectives of probands, at-risk relatives (ARR), and genetic healthcare professionals (HCP) on digital innovations in cardiogenetics.
• To understand the impact of digital tools on pretest and posttest counseling, and cascade genetic testing.

Main Methods:

• Conducted seven online focus groups with 37 participants (10 probands, 11 ARR, 16 HCP).
• Utilized thematic analysis to analyze transcribed focus group data.

Main Results:

• Identified themes including acceptability of digital tools and their impact on family communication, decision-making, care relations, and the genetic care system.
• Participants generally held positive attitudes towards digitizing aspects of predictive genetic counseling, emphasizing the need to preserve human contact.

Conclusions:

• Digital tools are acceptable for cardiogenetics counseling if human interaction is maintained.
• Efforts are needed to ensure equitable access to genetic services for all at-risk relatives and preserve HCP involvement.