A randomized trial of a breast/ovarian cancer genetic testing decision aid used as a communication aid during genetic counseling.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of a decision aid for women considering genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer risk given during genetic counseling.


METHODS
One hundred and forty-eight women were randomized to receive the decision aid or a control pamphlet at the beginning of their first consultation with a genetic counselor. When the patient received the decision aid, it was used to complement consultation discussions about genetic testing. One hundred and ten (74.3%) women completed the first questionnaire designed to elicit information about women's levels of decisional conflict and knowledge about genetic testing. Of these, 105 (70.9%) completed a second questionnaire to assess longer-term outcomes, 6 months postconsultation.


RESULTS
Results showed that women who received the decision aid felt more informed about genetic testing (chi(2)(1)=8.69; P=0.003), had clearer values (chi(2)(1)=6.90; P=0.009) and had higher knowledge levels (chi(2)(2)=6.49; P=0.039) than women who received the control pamphlet.


CONCLUSIONS
The developed decision aid improved patient outcomes better than a control pamphlet when implemented during genetic counseling and given to the patient to take home.
Wakefield
Claire E
CE
Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia. c.wakefield@unsw.edu.au
Meiser
Bettina
B
Homewood
Judi
J
Taylor
Alan
A
Gleeson
Margaret
M
Williams
Rachel
R
Tucker
Kathy
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D017354:Point Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult