'We don't know for sure': discussion of uncertainty concerning multigene panel testing during initial cancer genetic consultations.

ABSTRACT: Pre-test counseling about multigene panel testing involves many uncertainties. Ideally, counselees are informed about uncertainties in a way that enables them to make an informed decision about panel testing. It is presently unknown whether and how uncertainty is discussed during initial cancer genetic counseling. We therefore investigated whether and how counselors discuss and address uncertainty, and the extent of shared decision-making (SDM), and explored associations between counselors' communication and their characteristics in consultations on panel testing for cancer. For this purpose, consultations of counselors discussing a multigene panel with a simulated patient were videotaped. Simulated patients represented a counselee who had had multiple cancer types, according to a script.

SUBMITTER: Medendorp NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7026220 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature