Abstract P1-11-02: Telemedicine: Expanding access to cancer genetic services to underserved populations
Authors: Patrick-Miller Linda , Harris Diana , Stevens Evelyn , Egleston Brian , Fleisher Linda , Mueller Rebbeca , Brandt Amanda , Stopfer Jill , Domchek Susan , Bradbury Angela 
Published: May 2015

Background: Given the increasing demand for genetic services and limited genetic workforce, many patients do not receive recommended pre- and post-test genetic counseling. Telemedicine has been used to expand specialized medical services to low access populations. The feasibility and outcomes of telemedicine in clinical genetics are not well described.

Methods: Patients at 3 community sites without genetic counseling services received real-time pre-test (V1) and post-test (V2) counseling for cancer susceptibility with a genetic counselor (GC) at a center of expertise via community sites’ and host institution’s computers equipped with web cameras and videoconferencing software. Mixed-methods surveys assessed patient knowledge, satisfaction, psychosocial responses and experiences at baseline (BL), post-V1 and post-V2. We used paired T-tests to assess change between time points and linear regressions.

Results: Of 100 patients approached, 83% consented to telegenetic services. To date, 57 have completed BL and V1, and 70% proceeded with genetic testing, 31 patients have received results, including 3 carriers (BRCA2, MSH2, PMS2). Patient characteristics did not differ between those who agreed to and declined telegenetics. 4% of sessions were aborted due to technology failures. 30% experienced disconnections but were completed. Nearly all (94%) were satisfied with their telegenetic experience. Knowledge and satisfaction with telegenetic services significantly increased and general anxiety and depression significantly decreased. Event related (state) anxiety did not change significantly.

Table 1.OutcomeBL Mean (sd)Post-V1 Mean(sd)Post-V2 Mean(sd)pKnowledge (6-28)20.9(2.8)22.0 (3.0) 0.007 20.8 (3.3)21.8(3.2)21.5(3.1)NSSGeneral Anxiety (0-21)7.4(4.1)6.6(4.1) 0,02 6.6 ((4.0)5.7 (3.8)5.7 (3.5)0.06Genarla Depression(0-21)3.9 (3.9)3.5 (3.4) 0,05 3.6 (3.7)3.4(3.5)2.9 (3.5)0.07State Anxiety(20-80)36.0(15.2)35.7(13.7) NSS 34.6(15.0)34.5(13.1)32.1(12.5)NSSSatisfaction with Genetic Services 39.5(3.(    39.8(4.0)42.2(3.6)0.002Satisfaction with Telemedicine 51.3(5.6)    51.5(5.7)53.0(5.3)0.008     

Patients reported several advantages to telegenetics (e.g. decreased travel burden) and few disadvantages (e.g. audio challenges and technical glitches).Conclusions: Telemedicine delivery of cancer genetic services is feasible, identifies genetic mutation carriers, increases knowledge, decreases anxiety and depression and is associated with high satisfaction, suggesting an innovative model for delivery of genetic services for patients and community practices without access to local genetic providers.

Citation Format: Linda Patrick-Miller, Diana Harris, Evelyn Stevens, Brian Egleston, Linda Fleisher, Rebbeca Mueller, Amanda Brandt, Jill Stopfer, Susan Domchek, Angela Bradbury. Telemedicine: Expanding access to cancer genetic services to underserved populations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-02.