Mainstreaming Genetics: Evaluation of a Digital Application to Scale and Spread Oncologist-initiated Genetic Testing

What this study is about

Genetic testing can alter therapy and surgical management for cancer patients and is therefore indicated as a first-line test for many newly diagnosed patients, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and colon/GI patients. To reduce pressure on already constrained genetics clinics across Canada, some cancer centres are 'mainstreaming' genetic testing - whereby genetic testing is initiated and mediated by oncologists without traditional pre-test genetic counseling (GC) often using some form of paper-based patient pamphlets or videos. There is no standard, evidence-based approach to mainstreaming, leading to significant practice variation, a lack of coordinated care and ultimately, negative psychological impacts on patients. Digital solutions can address these gaps by providing a standardized, coordinated and patient-centered approach to deliver cancer genetic education. However, digital solutions for providing cancer genetics services are uncommon and clinical-effectiveness and service delivery outcomes have not been well-assessed. This study will test a digital mainstreaming platform called the Genetics Adviser for Mainstream care to assess its effectiveness in improving psychological outcomes and patient-centred care for mainstream cancer patients compared to standard of care.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Receiving germline testing related to primary cancer condition initiated by oncologist
• 18 years old or older.
• Speak and read English

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Receiving cancer genetic testing via a referral to a genetics clinic
• Do not speak or read English
• Under 18 years of age
• Determined to have diminished, marginal and or fluctuating decisional capacity
• Lack access to internet or an electronic device

Where this trial is running

• Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Marc Clausen, MA · 416-864-6060 · marc.clausen@unityhealth.to

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07387263.