A systematic review of communication interventions to help healthcare professionals discuss genetic testing for breast cancer.
Rachel StarkingsValerie ShillingValerie JenkinsLesley FallowfieldPublished in: Breast cancer research and treatment (2020)
This review revealed an overall lack of publications which evaluated interventions to assist HCPs discussing hereditary breast cancer risk and testing. Studies failed to operationalize which 'communication skills' they included, nor did they consistently report randomization, outcome measures, or analysis. Discussing the need for, and management of, genetic testing for inherited cancer risk with individuals and their families can be challenging. As genetic testing in breast cancer becomes more common, the provision of specific communication-based training programs, with reference to genetic testing, risk assessments, and counseling skills is warranted.