PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Despite the well-established benefits of germline genetic testing (gGT) for cancer patients including informing
treatment (targeted therapies, appropriate surgery) and family members (cascade testing), there has been
inconsistent integration of gGT into oncology workflows leading to significant gaps in care. Less labor-
intensive, streamlined service delivery strategies may improve access to testing for and reduce the burden on
sick cancer patients particularly in less resource-rich environments. This proposal is directly responsive to
RFA-HG-20-048 because it measures the efficacy and acceptability of novel genetic counseling practices
aimed at modernizing genetics care. The overall objectives in this application are to refine our pretest cancer
genetics Video Education and Result-Dependent dIsclosure (VERDI) intervention, compare patient-centered
outcomes of VERDI to standard counseling, elucidate required resources / costs and delineate the receptivity
and readiness for implementation of VERDI by genetic counselors (GCs). The rationale for the proposed
research is that alternative models must be informed by rigorous evaluation of effects on patients and GCs.
These goals will be accomplished by pursuing three specific aims: (i) refine and adapt VERDI to ensure
acceptability among diverse cancer patients (ii) conduct a randomized trial of VERDI vs standard genetic
counseling care through two cancer centers and their community partners and compare patient-centered
outcomes and (iii) evaluate the impact of the VERDI paradigm on GCs and costs to inform practice. In Aims 1
and 2, the studies will include patients of diverse backgrounds in several settings with cancers for which gGT is
standard and those for which it is less routine. Qualitative interviews of patients will inform the refinement of
VERDI, followed by a randomized trial of VERDI vs standard of care genetic counseling with measurement of
the following patient-centered outcomes: receipt of intervention, testing uptake, satisfaction, psychosocial
impact, knowledge and family communication. Aim 3 will use a mixed-methods analysis through semi-
structured qualitative interviews followed by a national survey of GCs to elucidate facilitators and barriers to
widespread implementation. Under this aim, a cost analysis evaluating cost-per-patient tested will be
performed using data collected during the randomized trial. The research proposed in this application is
innovative because it uses simple, adaptable technology combined with a pragmatic, patient-centered
approach informed by the needs of diverse patients to standardize processes. Robust outcomes of all
stakeholders, especially GCs whose role would change the most are measured. The proposed research is
significant because it is expected to provide patient, provider and systems level data to inform ways to expand
access to gGT and counseling for ill patients safely and effectively. Ultimately, this knowledge will foster
scalable approaches to genetic and genomics care for a variety of medical conditions, address the evolving
role of GCs while promoting improved access and delivering on the promise of personalized care.
