The Effects of a Genetic Counseling Educational Program on Hereditary Breast Cancer for Korean Healthcare Providers

Abstract

PurposeSystematic educational programs and genetic counseling certification courses for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) have not yet been introduced in Korea. We provided and evaluated the effects of genetic counseling education on Korean healthcare providers' knowledge, awareness, and counseling skills for patients at high risk of HBOC.MethodsA 3-day educational program was conducted for healthcare providers who were interested in genetic counseling for patients at high risk of HBOC. Participants who completed a knowledge test and satisfaction questionnaire were included in the present sample. Pre-post comparisons were conducted to determine the effects of the intervention.ResultsSignificant differences between preprogram and postprogram knowledge scores were observed (p=0.002). Awareness (p<0.001) and confidence (p<0.001) regarding genetic counseling significantly increased after the training. Doctors and participants with fewer years of work experience performed well on the knowledge test. Previous educational experience was correlated with increased confidence in knowledge and counseling skills.ConclusionGenetic counseling education regarding HBOC improved knowledge and awareness of HBOC and enhanced confidence in the counseling process. The effects varied according to occupation and participants' previous education. The implementation of systematic educational programs that consider participant characteristics may improve the effects of such interventions.

Knowledge and Educational Needs about Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) among Oncology Nurses

“…Several studies have concluded that nurses benefit from targeted oncology genetics education by improving confidence in discussions with patients and understanding of patient treatment plans [ 35 , 36 ]. Further, it has been identified that nursing competencies and curriculum do not uniformly address cancer genetics [ 37 , 38 ]. While minimum competencies have been suggested by several groups [ 39 , 40 , 41 ] and training is available through a variety of modes and sources, limited research suggests there has not been widespread dissemination of this training.…”

A systematic review of communication interventions to help healthcare professionals discuss genetic testing for breast cancer

“…The final seven papers involved a range of HCP audiences, including PCPs [39][40][41], nurses [42][43][44], physicians [42,43], genetic counselors [42], and medical students [45]. Three (four papers) of the six interventions used a randomized study design [39][40][41]44].…”

“…One intervention utilized a web-based platform [39,40], with the remaining five adopting face-to-face approaches [41][42][43][44][45] of traditional lecture formats [41][42][43][44][45], counseling role play scenarios [41][42][43][44], risk assessment practice [42][43][44], lab experience [42], patient discussions [41], and mentorship [44].…”

“…The training focused on topics such as communication/ counseling skills [39][40][41][42][43][44][45], genetic testing principles [39,40,[42][43][44][45], psychosocial and ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) [39,40,[43][44][45], hereditary cancers/BRCA [41][42][43]45], and risk assessment [39,40,44].…”

“…Interventions provided face-to-face were either completed in one day [41], over multiple days up to two weeks [42][43][44], or a longer expanse of time [45]. The web-based intervention took six hours to complete [39,40].…”