Strategic integration of genetic testing and counseling in patients with breast cancer in an oncology care model (OCM) multisite community-based practice.
Authors: Mendenhall Molly , Guinigundo Andrew , Burneka Elizabeth , Kolish Hannah , Mancini Sarah , Davies Dan , Jones Lauren , Burdette Caleb Randolph , Waterhouse David Michael 
Published: September 2021

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Background: Despite consensus driven recommendations, data suggests significant non-compliance in breast cancer genetic screening and testing. In the US nearly 300,000 patients are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, of whom approximately one-third are estimated to be BRCA-testing eligible by NCCN guidelines. Of this cohort of patients eligible for testing, it is estimated that again only one-third are ultimately being referred for genetic counseling and testing. Ideally, every patient who is guideline-eligible for testing should be tested, if they consent. The purpose of this project was to integrate and universally apply NCCN genetic breast cancer testing guidelines, building off current OCM processes, to all new breast and/or metastatic breast cancer patients within a large multi-site community oncology practice setting. Methods: Providers utilized directed EHR templates in the setting of an initial diagnosis visit or a treatment planning “OCM visit”. Discreet data fields were created in the EHR to streamline, prompt, and automate this process. Following provider education and uniform physician pre-approval, appropriate patients were reflexively referred to the genetics team for further evaluation and BRCA testing. Adherence to the plan was maintained and measured using data analytic reports and chart audits. Results: OHC’s pre-project eligible patient testing rate (2018) was found to be 20%. Between 1/2019 to 1/2021 1,203 new breast and/or metastatic breast cancer patients were seen and deemed eligible for inclusion, fully 1,200 were screened using NCCN guidelines (99%). Of those screened, 631 patients met the NCCN testing criteria (52.5%). 585 of the 631 were referred to a genetic specialist (92.7%), of those 449 patients were tested (76.7%), 136 patients refused (30%). 22 patients were found to have a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation (5.3%). An additional “halo” effect on other cancer diagnoses was also observed. Screening newly diagnosed breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer patients resulted in a 163% increase in genetic referrals aside from those with breast cancer. Conclusions: Our results suggest a significant overall improvement in breast cancer genetic testing rates. Implemented methods of provider education and awareness of NCCN guidelines imbedded within provider notes, together with discreet data fields in the EHR, proved to be highly effective at screening appropriate patients and ordering subsequent genetic testing; ensuring nearly 100% compliance with current NCCN guidelines for genetic testing. The workflow also resulted in a favorable increase in genetic referrals and testing across other cancers. The patient refusal rate for testing merits further investigation. This structured workflow with reflex genetics referral was effective, scalable, and financially viable to overall genetic and practice growth.