Testing a Culturally Adapted Telephone Genetic Counseling Intervention

Participating in genetic cancer risk assessments (GCRA) for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) can inform treatment and risk management decisions and improve breast cancer outcomes. However, Latina women underuse GCRA services, which may increase breast cancer disparities. This study will adapt and test the impact of a Culturally Adapted Telephone Genetic Counseling Intervention to enhance the use and quality of genetic counseling services for underserved Latina women at-risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer

SPECIFIC AIMS Women with BRCA1/2 mutations have a 50-80% and 15-40% lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, respectively.1 Breast cancer survivors with BRCA1/2 mutations are three times more likely to develop contralateral breast cancer than non-carriers.2 The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends referral for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) genetic cancer risk assessments (genetic counseling and consideration of genetic testing; GCRA) for women at high risk of carrying a mutation.3 A positive genetic test can inform treatment in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and management in survivors and unaffected women.4 Latinas have a significantly higher BRCA1/2 gene mutation prevalence than non-Latina Whites,5 yet they are 4-5 times less likely to have GCRA.6 Reasons for lower GCRA use include access, language barriers, and psychosocial factors.7-12 Fewer than 5% of the already limited number of genetic counselors in the US speak a language other than English.13 Developing alternative strategies to enhance GCRA access is important to ensure national guidelines are met and to reduce disparities.5,14 Our preliminary data suggest that GCRA referral guidelines are not consistently met among high-risk Latinas, many of whom are often not offered GCRA or are offered testing without counseling due to access and language barriers. Alternative strategies for delivery of genetic services, such as telephone genetic counseling (TGC), are safe, acceptable, and effective in both urban and rural populations.15,16 TGC can be a viable alternative strategy to in-person counseling for Latinas given that (1) TGC can enhance access to comprehensive genetic counseling by reducing cost and logistic barriers, which are especially important in underserved groups17; (2) TGC can also maximize the reach and access to the few Spanish-speaking genetic counselors in the US.13 Our initial data indicate that providers will increase the number of referrals to GCRA if Spanish genetic counseling is available. Thus, by overcoming access and language barriers, Spanish TGC can increase GCRA access among this high-risk yet underserved population. Beyond addressing access and language barriers, Spanish TGC may enhance the quality of information conveyed during counseling. Given the shortage of Spanish-speaking genetics professionals, English-speaking counselors use phone or in-person interpretation services with Spanish-speaking patients. Unfortunately, the quality of the information conveyed via Spanish interpreters is suboptimal.18 Interpreters do not have the requisite genetics expertise and may reduce, omit, or revise content.19 An initial study found that during HBOC genetic counseling, interpreters translated probabilistic statements as definitive or shortened and altered key explanations of risk information.18 In addition to potential content inaccuracies, interpretation typically precludes 'small talk' that helps build rapport.20 Our preliminary data align, suggesting both Latinas and providers report concerns about accuracy and rapport in sessions with interpreters. Spanish TGC could improve counseling quality by eliminating the need for interpretation for Latinas who are referred to and attend counseling. The investigators will compare evidence-based TCG developed by members of my mentoring team16,21 to usual care (UC) among high-risk, Spanish-speaking Latinas. The investigators anticipate that usual care will consist of either no referral to GCRA, offer of direct genetic testing without counseling, or genetic counseling with interpretation. Guided by the Ottawa Framework for Informed Decision Making22 the investigators propose a two phased mixed methods study. In Phase I, the investigators will conduct interviews with high-risk Latinas (n=15) to adapt the intervention materials using the Learner Verification and Revision frame.23 In Phase II, the investigators will use a cluster randomized design with four sites randomized to Spanish TGC (n=2 sites) or UC (n=2 sites). Our primary outcome is genetic counseling uptake among 60 high risk Latinas. Genetic testing uptake will be a secondary outcome. Among women who receive genetic counseling either through TGC or with an interpreter, the investigators will assess counseling quality by evaluating women's knowledge, counseling satisfaction, and communication in 20 audiotaped sessions. The investigators will assess communication using the gold standard RIAS quantitative coding system 24 and qualitative discourse analysis.25 Participants will complete assessments at baseline, post-counseling, and at 3 months. The investigators aim to: Aim 1. Culturally adapt the TGC booklet and genetic counseling protocols. Aim 2. Evaluate the impact of TGC vs. UC on GCRA access. Participants randomized to TGC (vs. UC) will have H.2.1. higher genetic counseling uptake H.2.2. higher testing uptake 3 months post intervention. Aim 3. Assess the quality of genetic counseling sessions among participants who attend the sessions. H.3.1. Participants randomized to TGC (vs. UC) will have higher HBOC knowledge and satisfaction and lower decisional conflict and distress. H.3.2. The investigators will explore communication patterns in 20 TGC and genetic counseling sessions with an interpreter using quantitative and qualitative methods. Given access barriers and the shortage of Spanish speaking genetic counselors, adapting and translating TGC intervention is a promising strategy that could reduce disparities by broadening the reach and accessibility to genetic counseling while enhancing the quality of the service.