title: The effects of a genetic counseling educational program on hereditary breast cancer for korean healthcare providers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Systematic educational programs and genetic counseling certification courses for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) have not yet been introduced in Korea. We provided and evaluated the effects of genetic counseling education on Korean healthcare providers' knowledge, awareness, and counseling skills for patients at high risk of HBOC.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 3-day educational program was conducted for healthcare providers who were interested in genetic counseling for patients at high risk of HBOC. Participants who completed a knowledge test and satisfaction questionnaire were included in the present sample. Pre-post comparisons were conducted to determine the effects of the intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences between preprogram and postprogram knowledge scores were observed (p=0.002). Awareness (p<0.001) and confidence (p<0.001) regarding genetic counseling significantly increased after the training. Doctors and participants with fewer years of work experience performed well on the knowledge test. Previous educational experience was correlated with increased confidence in knowledge and counseling skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genetic counseling education regarding HBOC improved knowledge and awareness of HBOC and enhanced confidence in the counseling process. The effects varied according to occupation and participants' previous education. The implementation of systematic educational programs that consider participant characteristics may improve the effects of such interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jihyoun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hyung Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Han-Wook
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: Sue K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jae Jeong
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Sung-Won
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Eunyoung
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Sei-Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Soo-Jung
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Young Jin
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Suh
authors.forename: Sung Yong
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Eun-Kyu
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Nan Mo
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Min Hyuk
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Breast neoplasms; Education; Genetic counseling; Hereditary neoplastic syndromes