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- Title
Increasing Knowledge of Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetic Testing Through Education and High-Risk Women's Program Launch.
- Authors
McGuire, Lisa
- Abstract
Background: With up to 10% of cancers caused by hereditary gene mutations, HCA Florida Ocala launched a High-Risk Women's Program (HRWP) in Q2-2023 as a tool for early cancer detection among mammogram patients. Imaging center staff revealed they had scarce knowledge of risk assessment and cancer genetics as a beneficial screening tool for hereditary cancers. Even with precise scripting and outlined workflow, the staff's confidence level was low in being able to explain the program and its benefits within their assigned role at each stage of the assessment and testing process. Objectives: To increase imaging facility stakeholders' knowledge of and confidence in cancer risk assessment and how genetic testing will aid in early detection of hereditary cancers and to ensure successful program implementation and compliance. Methods: Three in-person presentations were delivered by the genetics nurse practitioner, HRWP project manager, and genetic testing provider to the breast imaging navigator, schedulers, registrars, marketers, and radiographer staff who have specified roles in the HRWP programmatic workflow at the imaging center. Education included hereditary cancer statistics, risk assessment showing the need for genetic testing and/or modified screening surveillance, designed imaging center workflow, impactful patient stories, and the benefits of a high-risk clinic to monitor quality and outcomes. At the end of training, employees were surveyed using a 5-point scale, examining their knowledge of cancer risk assessment and genetic testing before and after training. Results: Employees strongly agreed, average score 4.45, that training and learning about genetic cancer risk illustrated why the HRWP will benefit the community as a new tool in early cancer detection as an identifier for enhanced screening and surveillance. Employees also strongly agreed, average score 4.36, that the new assessment and test offering will positively impact early cancer detection and improve patient outcomes. Employees agreed, average score 4.09, that they or someone they know has a personal or family history of cancer and has never had genetic testing. Prior to this education, they were not aware of risk assessment as a screening tool for genetic testing to screen for cancers, covered by insurance. They also agreed, average score 4.00, that this training has incited a desire to discuss genetic risk assessment with their healthcare provider, a friend, or family member. Conclusion: Education and training provided insight as to why an HRWP will be impactful to the hospital system and local community, and showed the value of staff education prior to HRWP implementation. After program launch, the patients' assessment completion rate was 96% at the end of the first month, compared to 70% across the enterprise. The genetic testing completion rate was 47% in the same timeframe, compared to 22% across the enterprise, making Ocala's program launch HCA's most successful to date. The genetic testing provider credits the program success to the observed knowledgeable and confident staff scripting to the patient about risk assessment and the value of early cancer screening. These results validated best practices of making staff true stakeholders in the launch of this innovative, early cancer detection program, ensuring successful program execution.
- Subjects
TEXAS; TUMOR genetics; TUMOR risk factors; EVALUATION of human services programs; WOMEN; GENETIC testing; CONFERENCES &; conventions; RISK assessment; EARLY diagnosis
- Publication
Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship, 2023, Vol 14, Issue 10, p300
- ISSN
2166-0999
- Publication type
Article