Abstract 7332: Healthcare professionals' perceptions and educational needs in genetic counseling for cancer risk management: An integrated mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Jung So-Youn , Park Sun-Young , Lee Eun-Gyeong , Chae Heejung , An Mi-Jin , Kim Yeon-Joo , Choi Yoon-Jung , Ryu Kum Hei , Kong Sun-Young 
Published: March 2024

Background: The role of healthcare professionals (HCPs) is crucial in the genetic counseling process for managing hereditary cancer risks. However, HCPs face challenges due to a lack of specialized training and confidence, particularly in communicating genetic risks to patients. Hence, it becomes paramount to identify the essential skills and expertise required by HCPs for genetic counseling. Additionally, gaining insight into their perspectives regarding the content of genetic counseling that should be provided to patients is of utmost importance.

Methods: An integrated mixed-methods systematic review and content analysis were performed across five databases on 23 May 2023, employing predetermined search strategies. The quality of selected studies was assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and data analysis was conducted using a deductive content analysis approach with MAXQDA 2020.

Results: The review encompassed 14 studies from seven countries, revealing moderate risk of bias. It was perceived by HCPs that hereditary cancer families require information in seven specific categories including, cancer risk-reducing strategies; personalized cancer risk; family implications of hereditary cancer; psychological issues; genetic testing; the role of pathogenic genes in hereditary cancers; and social issues related to genetic testing. The study also highlighted the educational needs of HCPs, pinpointing areas such as method for supporting decision-making; clinical management in hereditary cancer families; resources for supporting hereditary cancer families; guidance to support familial communication; genetic testing; the role of each profession; and methods for supporting psychological aspects.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for specialized training programs to equip HCPs with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective genetic counseling. Additionally, understanding HCPs’ perspectives on the content of genetic counseling is vital for tailoring educational resources and enhancing the genetic counseling process in managing cancer risks.

Grants: This research was supported by a grant of the Korean Cancer Survivors Healthcare R&D Project through the National Cancer Center, funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant number: NCC 23F1940-1)

Citation Format: So-Youn Jung, Sun-Young Park, Eun-Gyeong Lee, Heejung Chae, Mi-Jin An, Yeon-Joo Kim, Yoon-Jung Choi, Kum Hei Ryu, Sun-Young Kong. Healthcare professionals' perceptions and educational needs in genetic counseling for cancer risk management: An integrated mixed-methods systematic review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7332.