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Predictive Genetic Testing and Alternatives to Face to Face Results Disclosure: A Retrospective Review of Patients Preference for Alternative Modes of BRCA 1 and 2 Results Disclosure in the Republic of Ireland
Author(s) -
O'Shea Rosie,
Meany Marie,
Carroll Cliona,
Cody Nuala,
Healy David,
Green Andrew,
Lynch Sally Ann
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/s10897-015-9887-8
Subject(s) - medicine , predictive value , genetic testing , preference , retrospective cohort study , family medicine , genetic counseling , face value , brca mutation , face (sociological concept) , predictive testing , breast cancer , actuarial science , cancer , demography , genetics , statistics , finance , sociology , biology , economics , social science , business , mathematics
The traditional model of providing cancer predictive testing services is changing. Many genetic centres are now offering a choice to patients in how they receive their results instead of the typical face‐to‐face disclosure. In view of this shift in practice and the increasing demand on the ROI cancer predictive testing service, a 2 year retrospective study on patient preference in how to receive a Breast Cancer (BRCA) predictive result was carried out. Results showed that 71.7 % of respondents would have liked to have the option of obtaining their results by telephone or by letter. However, when asked about their actual experience of BRCA predictive results disclosure 40.6 % did still value the face‐to‐face contact, while 44.9 % would still have preferred to receive results by either post or telephone. No significant difference was found between males and females ( p > 0.05) and those who tested negative or positive for the BRCA mutation ( p > 0.05) in wanting a choice in how their results were disclosed. While the majority expressed a wish to have a choice in how to receive their results, it is important not to underestimate the value of a face‐to‐face encounter in these circumstances.