title: A collaborative approach to cancer risk assessment services using genetic counselor extenders in a multi-system community hospital.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to evaluate a unique approach to cancer risk assessment for improved access by smaller rural communities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Local, on-site nurse navigators were trained and utilized as genetic counselor extenders (GCEs) to provide basic risk assessment and offer BRCA1/2 genetic testing to select patients based on a triaging process in collaboration with board-certified genetic counselors (CGCs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  From August 2012 to July 2014, 12,477 family history questionnaires representing 8937 unique patients presenting for a screening mammogram or new oncology appointment were triaged. Of these, 8.2 % patients were identified at increased risk for hereditary breast cancer, and 4.2 % were identified at increased risk for other hereditary causes of cancer. A total of 75 of 1130 at-risk patients identified (6.6 %) completed a genetic risk assessment appointment; 23 with a GCE and 52 with a CGC. A review of the completed genetic test requisition forms from a 9-year pre-collaboration time period found that 16 % (20/125) did not appear to meet genetic testing criteria. Overall, there was a fourfold increase in patients accessing genetic services in this study period compared to the pre-collaboration time period. Efficiency of this model was assessed by determining time spent by the CGC in all activities related to the collaboration, which amounted to approximately 16 h/month. Adjustments have been made and the program continues to be monitored for opportunities to improve efficiency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates the feasibility of CGCs and GCEs collaborating to improve access to quality services in an efficient manner.
authors: Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment Program, St. Vincent Health, 8402 Harcourt Rd #200, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, USA. sacohen@stvincent.org.
authors: Stephanie A
authors: SA
authors: Cohen
authors: Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment Program, St. Vincent Health, 8402 Harcourt Rd #200, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, USA.
authors: Dawn M
authors: DM
authors: Nixon
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D062526:Patient Navigation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012423:Rural Health; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Access; Genetic counseling; Genetic counselor extenders; Hereditary cancer risk assessment