Galen Joseph|Robin Lee|Rena J. Pasick|Cláudia Guerra|Dean Schillinger|Sara Rubin
Effective communication in the era of precision medicine: A pilot intervention with low health literacy patients to improve genetic counseling communication
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center|University of California, San Francisco|Cancer Genetics (United States)|University of California, San Francisco|UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center|University of California, San Francisco|University of California, San Francisco|University of California, San Francisco|University of California, San Francisco
effective communication parties share common understanding necessary realize promise genomic medicine especially salient given imperative increase participation diverse populations genomics research expand reach clinical genomics previously shown cancer genetic counseling suboptimal patients limited health literacy address finding implemented pilot study improve verbal communication genetic counselors patients limited health literacy consisted curriculum development delivery genetic counselors gc communication workshop ii twomonth postworkshop interviews gc participants n 9 iii observationsaudio recordings counseling sessions involving 24 patients two gc workshop participants iv postcounseling interviews patients n 9 45h workshop presented evidencedbased principles strategies effective communication limited health literacy patients eg use plain language teachback offered specific techniques exercises practice adoption practices genetic counseling context gcs expressed appreciation opportunity refine skills however reported strategies challenging given professional training communication habits example gcs concerned use plain language could undermine efforts obtain informed consent provide scientifically accurate information observations patient interviews workshop revealed gcs able employ communication strategies positive effects patients indicating sufficient understanding genetic test implications well satisfaction counselors communication derived research communication limited health literacy communication approaches taught gc workshop could benefit patients given high rates low health literacy many countries many factors beyond health literacy contribute reduced comprehension health care environments