Embedding a genetic counselor into oncology clinics improves testing rates and timeliness for women with ovarian cancer

Gynecol Oncol. 2021 Feb;160(2):457-463. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.11.003. Epub 2020 Nov 21.

Abstract

Objective: Germline genetic testing is crucial to the care of ovarian cancer patients, and as part of the guideline-based care for ovarian cancer patient's adherence to this recommendation has been low. We sought to determine whether embedding a genetic counselor (GC) within a medical and gynecologic oncology clinic would increase testing rates and improve the timeliness of testing.

Methods: Prospective cohort study of 358 ovarian cancer patients seen by medical and gynecologic oncologists between 2013 and 2015. Rates of referrals, completion of counseling, and genetic testing and timeliness of counseling were abstracted before and after a GC was embedded in the clinic in 2014. An additional year of data (2015) was collected to evaluate sustainability of the intervention.

Results: Between 2013 and 2015, 88-92% of women were referred for genetic testing, but in 2013 only 66% completed counseling and 61% were tested. After a GC was embedded in the clinic in 2014, more than 80% of referred women completed counseling and germline genetic testing. Time to genetic counseling also decreased from a median of 107 to 40 days, irrespective of age and cancer family history (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Embedding a GC into the workflow for ovarian cancer patients is an effective way of improving access to genetic counseling, testing rates, and the timeliness of testing.

Keywords: Counselor; Genetic counseling; Genetic testing; Germline; Ovarian cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Counselors / organization & administration
  • Counselors / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Genetic Counseling / organization & administration*
  • Genetic Counseling / statistics & numerical data
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing / standards
  • Genetic Testing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Medical History Taking
  • Medical Oncology / organization & administration
  • Medical Oncology / standards
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prospective Studies
  • Referral and Consultation / organization & administration
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult