Women’s preferences for genetic screening in routine care: A qualitative study

Examine decision-making regarding when women would prefer to receive reproductive carrier and cancer predisposition screening and from what clinician. 20 women completed in-depth interviews via Zoom exploring their views on the provision of reproductive carrier and cancer predisposition screening. Our analysis identified themes related to what informs women’s preferences for when they would like to receive a genetic screening offer and by which clinician. Participants’ responses to questions about when they would be interested in receiving genetic screening were best understood through the lens of the Extended Parallel Process Model. Specifically, personal utility of the information, a woman’s family health history and cost were key factors in decision-making. Women considered their clinician’s knowledge and their trust in and relationship with the clinician when deciding from whom they would prefer to receive an offer of genetic screening. OB/GYN clinic patients may accept an offer of genetic screening from a knowledgeable and trusted clinician for carrier and cancer predisposition screening preconceptionally or prenatally. Integrating genetic reproductive and cancer predisposition screening into the care provided to reproductive age OB/GYN patients may be acceptable to this population. •Perceived efficacy and family history affected women’s interest in genetic screening.•Preferred timing for carrier and cancer-related genetic screening may vary.•Women would like knowledgeable and trusted clinicians to offer genetic screening.