A randomized trial of a breast/ovarian cancer genetic testing decision aid used as a communication aid during genetic counseling

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a decision aid for women considering genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer risk given during genetic counseling. Methods: One hundred and forty‐eight women were randomized to receive the decision aid or a control pamphlet at the beginning of their first consultation with a genetic counselor. When the patient received the decision aid, it was used to complement consultation discussions about genetic testing. One hundred and ten (74.3%) women completed the first questionnaire designed to elicit information about women's levels of decisional conflict and knowledge about genetic testing. Of these, 105 (70.9%) completed a second questionnaire to assess longer‐term outcomes, 6 months postconsultation. Results: Results showed that women who received the decision aid felt more informed about genetic testing (χ2(1)=8.69; P=0.003), had clearer values (χ2(1)=6.90; P=0.009) and had higher knowledge levels (χ2(2)=6.49; P=0.039) than women who received the control pamphlet. Conclusions: The developed decision aid improved patient outcomes better than a control pamphlet when implemented during genetic counseling and given to the patient to take home. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.