Patient Understanding of Carrier Screening With an Educational Video Intervention [ID 2683583

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Carrier screening allows patients to understand their risk of passing on a recessive genetic disease. Clinical visits have limited time to explain concepts behind carrier screening and access to genetic counseling may not be available. We sought to understand patient's baseline knowledge of carrier screening and whether an educational video intervention can improve understanding of this test. METHODS: This was a pilot randomized controlled trial administered between July 1, 2023 and July 31, 2023, where participants were recruited at their first obstetrics visit. They were randomized in 1:1 ratio to watch a short video on carrier screening versus routine care. A 10-question true/false questionnaire on basic concepts of carrier screening was administered to all participants. Demographic data including race, age, ethnicity, gravity, and parity were collected. Two-tailed t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. RESULTS: In total, 40 participants were recruited and 20 were randomized to view an educational video. The cohort identified as 60% Black or African American; average age, 30.2; and 32.5% completed a graduate degree. There were no significant demographic differences between the groups. The average knowledge score in the video and nonvideo groups was similar (61% versus 63%; P=.69). However, most participants felt that an educational video was helpful (84.6%). CONCLUSION: This pilot study did not find a significance in knowledge score after the video intervention. Our results highlight the need for additional patient resources and face-to-face interventions to improve patient education on carrier screening.