title: A randomized trial of a prenatal genetic testing interactive computerized information aid.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine whether an interactive computer program could improve patient knowledge regarding genetic screening and diagnostic concepts.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this randomized trial, women 6-26 weeks' gestation were assigned to standard care with provider-based counseling or to augmented counseling with an interactive computer program. The computer-based tool conveyed information about genetic testing options. Women were administered a 23-item test of content knowledge immediately and 2-4 weeks after exposure. Test scores were compared between groups at both points using T-tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 150 women were randomized equally between groups. Groups were similar with regard to demographic characteristics. Women randomized to the interactive tool correctly answered a significantly greater proportion of questions than those who received standard counseling (69.4% ± 14.2% vs. 46.0% ± 15.2%, p < 0.001) on the immediate questionnaire. One hundred and twenty-three (82%) participants participated in the follow-up test. Women randomized to the tool continued to correctly answer a significantly greater proportion of questions (60.6% ± 16% vs. 49.7% ± 18.9%, p = 0.001). Education, health literacy, electronic health literacy, and other discussions with providers were not associated with a differential benefit from the educational intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A patient-directed interactive computer program may help providers to convey relevant information about genetic screening and diagnostic concepts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Lynn M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Yee
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.forename: Ashley R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bergeron
authors.forename: Stacy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cooper Bailey
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Grobman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult