title: An assessment of the efficacy of cancer genetic counselling using real-time videoconferencing technology (telemedicine) compared to face-to-face consultations.
abstract: There are few published studies regarding the use of telemedicine in counselling families with a history of cancer. In this study, cancer genetic counselling was evaluated when conducted via telemedicine and compared to face-to-face consultations. Participants were placed into a telemedicine group or a face-to-face group depending on their geographical location. Telemedicine consultations took place using real-time videoconferencing technology ISDN6 digital telephone lines. Sixteen participants were evaluated in the telemedicine compared to 21 in the face-to-face group and all participants were asked to complete both a precounselling and postcounselling questionnaire, which assessed their understanding of cancer genetics, anxiety levels, satisfaction levels, and allowed for personal comments. In both the telemedicine and face-to-face groups, a significant reduction in cancer related anxiety levels and high satisfaction levels were reported. There was a trend towards increased cancer genetic knowledge post genetic counselling in both groups. The results show that telemedicine is a useful alternative by which to provide cancer genetic services when geographical distance is an issue.
authors.affiliation: Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Jordanna Joaquina
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Coelho
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nayler
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tischkowitz
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: MacKay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D049269:Videoconferencing / Q000592:standards*