Let's Talk: Overcoming Barriers to Uptake of Cascade Screening Through a Stakeholder-informed Online Intervention
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Summary
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that increases cancer risk. The public health impact of genetic testing for disease prevention hinges on cascade screening, which is the systematic identification and testing of blood relatives after a family member has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. Despite its importance in disease prevention, only half of first-degree relatives of individuals with Lynch syndrome undergo cascade screening. To address this gap, the study will pilot test an online version of Let's Talk, a novel intervention designed to support and promote cascade screening. This intervention tool is designed to support and encourage more family members to get screened. The purpose of this study aim is to assess the feasibility of the online Let's Talk tool in clinical use by examining implementation and effectiveness outcomes related to the use of the planning tool across three clinics at a large academic-affiliated medical center with patients (n=15) seen by one of five genetic counselors (n=5).
Description
The overall objective of this research study is to design an interactive online format for Let's Talk content, and pilot test Let's Talk to gain feasibility data for its clinical use among patients diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. The rationale for this study is that it has the potential to improve cascade screening uptake and could be adapted to other hereditary conditions in future work. The expected outcomes of this project will move the field forward in addressing barriers to cascade screening and will inform cascade screening for Lynch syndrome as well as for other conditions, such as hered…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria for Patients * Written informed consent obtained to participate in the study. * Subject is willing and able to comply with study procedures based on the judgement of the investigator or protocol designee. * Age ≥ 18 years at the time of consent. * Written informed consent obtained to participate in the study. * Self-reported Lynch syndrome diagnosis. Inclusion Criteria for Genetic Counselor * Written informed consent obtained to participate in the study. * Subject is willing and able to comply with study procedures based on the judgement of the investigator or protocol de…
Interventions
- BehavioralLet's Talk Genetics Providers
Providers will complete a brief pre-intervention survey and a short training on the Let's Talk tool. They will then help recruit eligible patients from genetics clinics who need cascade screening for Lynch syndrome. After the intervention, providers will complete post-intervention surveys and interviews.
- BehavioralLet's Talk Patients
Patients will complete a brief pre-intervention survey and receive access to the online Let's Talk toolkit for two months. The toolkit addresses key barriers to cascade screening for Lynch syndrome by building knowledge, confidence, and communication skills through simple, evidence-based activities. After two months, patients will complete a post-intervention survey and participate in a qualitative interview.
Location
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, North Carolina