Video-assisted genetic counseling in patients with ovarian, fallopian and peritoneal carcinoma

Abstract Objectives To compare the proportion of patients with ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal carcinoma who receive genetic testing after observing a genetic counseling video versus after traditional referral for genetic counseling and testing at physician discretion. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients seen at the West Cancer Center for evaluation of ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal carcinoma from 7/2014 to 8/2015. Patients seen between 7/2014 and 12/2014 were offered standard genetic counseling. We adopted a new standard of care from 3/2015 to 8/2015 involving the use of a genetic counseling video on a digital tablet. The video was shown to patients with ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal cancer, who were then given the option to undergo genetic testing at the end of the viewing. We compared the number and proportion of patients who received genetic testing in both groups. Results The initial group of 267 patients received referral and te\sting at the physician's discretion between 8/2014 and 12/2014. 77/267 (29%) of these patients underwent genetic testing. 295 patients viewed the condensed genetic counseling video with the option to receive testing the same day between 3/2015 and 8/2015. 162/295 (55%) of these patients received testing. The transition from a referral method to the video counseling method resulted in a significant increase of patients tested (p < 0.001). Conclusion Using a genetic counseling video and providing an immediate option for testing significantly increased the proportion of patients with ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal carcinoma who received genetic testing.