Effects of a cancer genetics education programme on clinician knowledge and practice

Abstract

Background: Many clinicians lack adequate knowledge about emerging standards of care related to genetic cancer risk assessment and the features of hereditary cancer needed to identify patients at risk. Objective: To determine how a clinical cancer genetics education programme for community based clinicians affected participant knowledge and changed clinical practice. Methods: The effects of the programme on participant knowledge and changes in clinical practice were measured through pre and post session knowledge questionnaires completed by 710 participants and practice impact surveys completed after one year by 69 out of 114 eligible annual conference participants sampled. Results: Respondents showed a 40% average increase in specific cancer genetics knowledge. Respondents to the post course survey reported that they used course information and materials to counsel and refer patients for hereditary cancer risk assessment (77%), shared course information with other clinicians (83%), and wanted additional cancer genetics education (80%). Conclusions: There was a significant immediate gain in cancer genetics knowledge among participants in a targeted outreach programme, and subset analysis indicated a positive long term effect on clinical practice. Clinician education that incorporates evidence based content and case based learning should lead to better identification and care of individuals with increased cancer risk.

Efficacy of an educational intervention on family physicians’ risk assessment and management of colorectal cancer

“…These findings contribute to studies demonstrating the value of educational interventions in hereditary cancer (Blazer et al 2004;Carroll et al 2009Carroll et al , 2011Houwink et al 2013Houwink et al , 2014aSchroy et al 2005;Watson et al 2001). Watson showed improved referral decisions for patients with a FH of breast/ovarian cancer, using mailed information including a laminated summary card with simple referral guidelines, a booklet with more detailed information, and two patient leaflets (Watson et al 2001).…”

Communication of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test results to health care providers following genetic testing at a tertiary care center

“…While participant satisfaction is important, we did not collect data regarding the accuracy of the information being given to participants by their OHCPs. Previous reports regarding primary care physicians' knowledge about genetic testing for hereditary cancers have found a lack of proficiency in this area [22][23][24][25][33][34][35][36]. Although The American Society of Clinical Oncology has provided continuing education for oncologists in the area of cancer genetic risk assessment and testing [37], efforts to educate OHCPs should continue and preferred methods of learning about genetic information should be identified.…”

Obstetrics/Gynecology Residents’ Knowledge of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Lynch Syndrome

“…However, many studies have shown that even practicing physicians lack adequate knowledge about important concepts regarding hereditary cancer syndromes [11][12][13][14][15][16]. Furthermore, there is very little information about medical residents' knowledge of hereditary cancer syndromes and the effectiveness of educational programs designed to improve cancer genetics knowledge [17,18]. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess obstetrics/ gynecology residents' family history documentation practices and knowledge of HBOC and Lynch syndrome in order to determine areas of deficiency to establish future targeted education programs.…”