Virtual Reality Intervention in Cancer Genetics

The goal of this study is to evaluate a virtual reality-based intervention for training health care providers who are not genetics specialists to effectively communicate with and counsel patients regarding cancer genetics.

If you agree to take part in this study, you will complete questionnaires, have your physiological measurements recorded, and view virtual reality scenes.

Questionnaires:

You will fill out questionnaires before and after viewing the virtual reality scenes. Before viewing the virtual reality scenes, you will answer questions about your demographic, educational and professional background and about the likelihood of becoming engaged in a virtual environment. After viewing the virtual reality scenes, you will answer questions to evaluate the scenes. You also will be asked to provide additional comments about the virtual reality scenes during a brief interview. In total, these questionnaires should take about 30 minutes total to complete.

Physiological Measurements:

Your heart rate and the amount you sweat will be recorded during the virtual reality scene (described below) by applying small sensors to your skin.

After you have completed the first set of questionnaires, you will sit in a recliner and the sensors will be placed on your rib cage and hand. The sensors that measure heart rate will be placed in the following locations: your lower left rib cage, just under your right collar bone, and just under your left collar bone. The sensors that measure the amount you sweat will be placed on the palm of your hand.

The Virtual Reality Scenes:

You will sit in a recliner and be asked to put on a virtual reality helmet, which has goggles and noise-cancelling headphones. You will be told how to wear the helmet and use the hand-held controller.

You will first view a sample virtual reality scene to help orient you to the technology. The experience of virtual reality may involve multiple senses. For example, you may hear, smell, and feel sensations (such as mild vibrations) that are associated with the scenes you are viewing.

After you become comfortable using the technology, you will view a virtual reality scenario that depicts a typical session in cancer genetic counseling. The scenario will depict a virtual patient who is being seen for genetic counseling. You will be encouraged to speak to and interact with the virtual patient as you would with a real patient. The interaction with the virtual patient will be recorded. It is estimated that you will spend about 30 minutes in the genetic counseling scene with the virtual patient.

After the scene has ended, the equipment and sensors will be removed, and you will be asked to complete the second set of questionnaires and the brief interview.

It is expected that it will take up to 2 hours to complete all study procedures.

This is an investigational study.

Up to 21 people will take part in this study at M. D. Anderson.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Genetic counselors: Board-eligible or board-certified genetic counselor
2. Genetic counseling students: Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited genetic counseling degree program
3. 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Non-English speaking