Overcoming Barriers to Uptake of Cascade Screening

The overall objective of this research study is to design an interactive online format for Let's Talk content, and pilot test Let's Talk to gain feasibility data for its clinical use among patients diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. The rationale for this study is that it has the potential to improve cascade screening uptake and could be adapted to other hereditary conditions in future work. The expected outcomes of this project will move the field forward in addressing barriers to cascade screening and will inform cascade screening for Lynch syndrome as well as for other conditions, such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and familial hypercholesterolemia. Initially designed to support patients with Lynch Syndrome, Let's Talk is a theory-based intervention developed using a stakeholder engaged methodology that is responsive to reported barriers to cascade screening. Let's Talk was created in collaboration with patients and providers. It was designed to be introduced by the patient's provider within the existing clinic workflow, and the remainder of the intervention could be completed at home by the patient with their family. In this aim (Aim 2), the Let's Talk cascade screening digital intervention will be pilot tested to assess feasibility for clinical use. It will be tested by genetic counselors (n=5) and their patients (n=15) who have been diagnosed with LS and are currently sharing information about their diagnosis with relatives. Genetics providers will be identified from one of three genetics clinics. After consenting to participate, they will be asked to complete a short pre-intervention survey and take part in a brief educational training to learn about the Let's Talk tool. Then, providers will help recruit eligible patients seen in one of the genetics clinics who have a need for cascade screening for Lynch Syndrome. Once each patient enrolls, they will complete a short pre-intervention survey and then will be introduced to the online Let's Talk toolkit. They will have access to the toolkit for the following two months. The online tool was adapted from a previously developed workbook intervention guided by key stakeholders in Lynch syndrome care and patients. The toolkit addresses gaps in knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and other perceived barriers to cascade screening for Lynch syndrome. The adapted online tool will guide patients through the cascade screening process using evidence-based practices such as goal setting, guided practice, gain-framing, and information chunking. Patient participants will be asked to utilize the online tool to complete a variety of activities such as script writing, family tree building, and planning coping responses in the two months following enrollment. Two months following the delivery of Let's Talk, patients will be given a brief online survey and a qualitative interview to assess outcomes (n=15). Post-intervention surveys and interviews will also be conducted with genetic counselors at the end of the study (n=5).