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A randomized trial of a breast/ovarian cancer genetic testing decision aid used as a communication aid during genetic counseling
Author(s) -
Wakefield Claire E.,
Meiser Bettina,
Homewood Judi,
Taylor Alan,
Gleeson Margaret,
Williams Rachel,
Tucker Kathy
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.1353
Subject(s) - genetic counseling , genetic testing , medicine , randomized controlled trial , family medicine , breast cancer , decision aids , gynecology , ovarian cancer , physical therapy , psychology , cancer , alternative medicine , surgery , pathology , biology , genetics
Objectives : 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 ( χ 2 (1)=8.69; P =0.003), had clearer values ( χ 2 (1)=6.90; P =0.009) and had higher knowledge levels ( χ 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. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.