Abstract
Non-genetic health professionals (NGHPs) have insufficient knowledge of cancer genetics, express educational needs and are unprepared to counsel their patients regarding their genetic test results. So far, it is unclear how NGHPs perceive their own communication skills. This study was undertaken to gain insight in their perceptions, attitudes and knowledge. Two publically accessible databases were used to invite NGHPs providing cancer genetic services to complete a questionnaire. The survey assessed: sociodemographic attributes, experience in ordering hereditary cancer genetic testing, attitude, knowledge, perception of communication skills (e.g. information giving, decision-making) and educational needs. Of all respondents (N = 49, response rate 11 %), most have a positive view of their own information giving (mean = 53.91, range 13–65) and decision making skills (64–77 % depending on topic). NGHPs feel responsible for enabling disease and treatment related behavior (89–91 %). However, 20–30 % reported difficulties managing patients’ emotions and did not see management of long-term emotions as their responsibility. Correct answers on knowledge questions ranged between 41 and 96 %. Higher knowledge was associated with more confidence in NGHPs’ own communication skills (rs = .33, p = 0.03). Although NGHPs have a positive view of their communication skills, they perceive more difficulties managing emotions. The association between less confidence in communication skills and lower knowledge level suggests awareness of knowledge gaps affects confidence. NGHPs might benefit from education about managing client emotions. Further research using observation of actual counselling consultations is needed to investigate the skills of this specific group of providers.
Highlights
Since the early 1990s the possibilities for DNA testing in cancer have rapidly expanded
In contrast to known studies showing that providers are unprepared to counsel their patients [9,10,11,12,13,14], our study shows that most non-genetic health professionals ordering cancer gene testing have a positive attitude towards, knowledge of and skills in discussing and ordering genetic testing for cancer
Our data shows that respondents were individuals with a lot of experience in ordering cancer gene testing (47 % ordering more than 30 gene tests a year) and half of them received training regarding communication with patients about hereditary cancer
Summary
Since the early 1990s the possibilities for DNA testing in cancer have rapidly expanded. Through the combination of pedigree risk assessment and genetic testing it can be determined whether a patient’s personal or family history of cancer has an underlying hereditary cause. Genetic information about cancer is complex and involves understanding risks and inheritance patterns. Many individuals find such complex information difficult to understand [1, 2]. Research shows that clinical geneticists and genetic counselors in general are well trained to provide genetic information [3]. They have an important role in providing the information in an understandable way
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