title: Barriers in identification and referral to genetic counseling for familial cancer risk: the perspective of genetic service providers.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to obtain genetic counselors' perspectives about the identification of appropriate patients and barriers to referral of high-risk patients for cancer genetic counseling services. Genetic service providers from eight integrated health systems were surveyed. Data analysis included descriptive statistics. Twenty-eight of 40 potential participants responded (70%). Referrals for familial cancer risk assessment overwhelmingly came from providers (89%); only 10% were self-referrals. Use of guidelines to assist providers with referral was reported by 46% of the respondents. Genetic service providers perceived patient barriers to seeking genetic counseling after referral included: risk evaluation viewed as a non-priority (72%), concerns about impact on insurability (52%), distance to appointments (48%), lack of insurance (44%), lack of patient/provider knowledge about the value of genetic counseling (36%), discouragement by family members (28%), and fear (20%). The best approaches suggested by respondents to increase appropriate referrals were attending meetings and giving presentations to oncologists, surgeons, primary care and gynecologists. The genetic service providers reported several barriers to the referral and use of genetic counseling. This finding is consistent with current literature from the providers' perspective. Our survey adds the genetic service providers' perspective and identifies areas of opportunity for further research and intervention as few of the perceived barriers are being addressed through current educational efforts.
authors.affiliation: HealthPartners Research Foundation, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1524, USA. Cheri.J.Rolnick@healthpartners.com
authors.forename: Sharon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Rolnick
authors.forename: Alanna K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Rahm
authors.forename: Jody M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Larissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nekhlyudov
authors.forename: Katrina A B
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Goddard
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McCarty
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nakasato
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roblin
authors.forename: Christopher P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Rodolfo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Valdez
mesh_terms: D001364:Awareness; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation