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Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice
Published in: Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

A qualitative study of barriers to genetic counseling and potential for mobile technology education among women with ovarian cancer

Authors: Rachel Isaksson Vogel, Kristin Niendorf, Heewon Lee, Sue Petzel, Hee Yun Lee, Melissa A. Geller

Published in: Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

National guidelines recommend genetic counseling for all ovarian cancer patients because up to 20% of ovarian cancers are thought to be due to hereditary cancer syndromes and effective cancer screening and prevention options exist for at-risk family members. Despite these recommendations, uptake of genetic counselling and testing is low. The goal of this study was to identify barriers to and motivators for receipt of genetic counseling along with preferences regarding potential use of a mobile application to promote genetic counseling.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted including 14 women with a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer. Topics included understanding of genetic counseling, perceived pros and cons, preferences for receiving health information, and familiarity with mobile phone technology. Transcripts were analyzed using standard procedures of qualitative thematic text analysis and descriptive coding techniques.

Results

Six major themes regarding barriers to and motivators of genetic counseling and use of mobile technology in promoting genetic counseling emerged: (1) need for information, (2) relevance, (3) emotional concerns, (4) family concerns, (5) practical concerns, and (6) mobile application considerations.

Conclusions

These data reiterate previously reported barriers to genetic counseling as observed in other populations. Participants were supportive of the use of mobile technology for promoting uptake of genetic counseling.
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Metadata
Title
A qualitative study of barriers to genetic counseling and potential for mobile technology education among women with ovarian cancer
Authors
Rachel Isaksson Vogel
Kristin Niendorf
Heewon Lee
Sue Petzel
Hee Yun Lee
Melissa A. Geller
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1897-4287
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13053-018-0095-z

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