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BackgroundNewer approaches to genetic counselling are required for population-based testing. We compare traditional face-to-face genetic counselling with a DVD-assisted approach for population-based BRCA1/2 testing.MethodsA cluster-randomised non-inferiority trial in the London Ashkenazi Jewish population.Inclusion criteriaAshkenazi Jewish men/women >18 years; exclusion criteria: (a) known BRCA1/2 mutation, (b) previous BRCA1/2 testing and (c) first-degree relative of BRCA1/2 carrier. Ashkenazi Jewish men/women underwent pre-test genetic counselling prior to BRCA1/2 testing in the Genetic Cancer Prediction through Population Screening trial (ISRCTN73338115). Genetic counselling clinics (clusters) were randomised to traditional counselling (TC) and DVD-based counselling (DVD-C) approaches. DVD-C involved a DVD presentation followed by shorter face-to-face genetic counselling. Outcome measures included genetic testing uptake, cancer risk perception, increase in knowledge, counselling time and satisfaction (Genetic Counselling Satisfaction Scale). Random-effects models adjusted for covariates compared outcomes between TC and DVD-C groups. One-sided 97.5% CI was used to determine non-inferiority.Secondary outcomesrelevance, satisfaction, adequacy, emotional impact and improved understanding with the DVD; cost-minimisation analysis for TC and DVD-C approaches.Results936 individuals (clusters=256, mean-size=3.6) were randomised to TC (n=527, clusters=134) and DVD-C (n=409, clusters=122) approaches. Groups were similar at baseline, mean age=53.9 (SD=15) years, women=66.8%, men=33.2%. DVD-C was non-inferior to TC for increase in knowledge (d=-0.07; lower 97.5% CI=-0.41), counselling satisfaction (d=-0.38, 97.5% CI=1.2) and risk perception (d=0.08; upper 97.5% CI=3.1). Group differences and CIs did not cross non-inferiority margins. DVD-C was equivalent to TC for uptake of genetic testing (d=-3%; lower/upper 97.5% CI -7.9%/1.7%) and superior for counselling time (20.4 (CI 18.7 to 22.2) min reduction (p<0.005)). 98% people found the DVD length and information satisfactory. 85-89% felt it improved their understanding of risks/benefits/implications/purpose of genetic testing. 95% would recommend it to others. The cost of genetic counselling for DVD-C=£7787 and TC=£17 307. DVD-C resulted in cost savings=£9520 (£14/volunteer).ConclusionsDVD-C is an effective, acceptable, non-inferior, time-saving and cost-efficient alternative to TC.Trial registration numberISRCTN 73338115.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103740

Type

Journal article

Journal

Journal of medical genetics

Publication Date

07/2016

Volume

53

Pages

472 - 480

Addresses

Department of Women's Cancer, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Bartshealth NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, London, UK Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.

Keywords

Humans, BRCA1 Protein, BRCA2 Protein, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, Genetic Counseling, Mutation, Middle Aged, Jews, Female, Male, Genetic Testing