The aim of this study was to establish key characteristics that patients, consumers, and health professionals value regarding genetic testing (GT) and personalized medicine using the example of GT for hereditary Lynch syndrome. We conducted a series of focus groups with individuals recruited from a clinic that follows those at high risk for hereditary cancer, individuals recruited from the community, physicians, and genetic counselors. Participants were presented with clinical scenarios about Lynch syndrome testing and asked to identify characteristics that they perceived as important in making decisions about GT. Forty-two participants (19 community members, 8 high-risk and cancer patients, 3 genetic counselors, and 8 physicians) participated. Among community members and patients, the most frequently discussed considerations were the personal impact of GT and family impact, respectively. Among physicians, the most frequently discussed topic was the characteristics of genomic services (e.g., test invasiveness); among genetic counselors, the most frequently discussed topic was evidence and recommendations. A variety of test characteristics were important in decision making about GT. High-risk patients, community members, and health care providers had different priorities. Health care professionals should be aware of differences between their own considerations about GT and those that are important to patients.
A workplace intervention can increase CRC screening rates in firefighters. Future studies should focus on the long-term sustainability of this type of program.
Background
Interventions to increase recommended cancer screening tests and discussions are needed.
Methods
We developed PRE-VIEW (The PREventive VIdeo Education in Waiting Rooms Program), a multimedia cancer prevention intervention for primary care clinics based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change We pilot tested PRE-VIEW An Interactive Video Doctor plus Provider Alert for feasibility and acceptability in primary care clinic settings in the San Francisco Bay Area, California in 2009–2010.
Results
Eighty participants (33 men and 47 women; more than half non-white) at 5 primary care clinics were included. After PRE-VIEW, 87% of women were definitely interested in mammography when due and 77% were definitely interested in a Pap test. 73% of participants were definitely interested in colorectal cancer screening when due, and 79% of men were definitely interested in a discussion about the PSA test. The majority indicated that they received an appropriate amount of information from PRE-VIEW and that the information presented helped them decide whether or not to be screened.
Conclusions
PRE-VIEW was well received and accepted and potentially provides an innovative and practical way to support physicians' efforts to increase cancer screening.
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