Table 2.
Perceived advantages and disadvantages of telephone communication of BRCA1/2 test results
| N | |
|---|---|
| PERCEIVED ADVANTAGES (N=184*) | |
| Advantages for PATIENTS | |
| Convenience | 122 |
| Less travel/transportation | 60 |
| More convenience (overall) | 49 |
| Less time | 37 |
| Medical benefits | 70 |
| Result available sooner for medical management decisions | 47 |
| Patient preparation time greater for follow-up appointment | 32 |
| Psychological benefits | 64 |
| More control | 26 |
| More satisfaction | 25 |
| Less anxiety | 13 |
| More privacy | 11 |
| Advantages for GENETIC COUNSELORS | |
| Time savings | 32 |
| Less time per patient | 13 |
| More patient capacity | 10 |
| Time saving (overall) | 6 |
| PERCEIVED DISADVANTAGES (N=180**) | |
| Disadvantages for PATIENTS | |
| Communication and understanding | 67 |
| Omitted information (abbreviated or disrupted call) | 39 |
| Misunderstood information | 25 |
| Patients unprepared for call | 8 |
| Psychological | 26 |
| Less emotional support from genetic counselor (18); family/friends (5) | 23 |
| More anxiety | 13 |
| Medical (Less compliance with f/u appointment) | 22 |
| Disadvantages for GENETIC COUNSELORS | |
| Communication | 132 |
| More difficult to counsel by telephone | 70 |
| More difficult to assess/respond to patient emotions | 50 |
| More difficult to assess/respond to patient understanding | 38 |
| More difficult to counsel without visual aids/written materials | 25 |
| More difficult to assess/respond to patient’s environment | 11 |
| Financial (inability to bill for services) | 24 |
| Time (reaching patient and/or additional follow-up phone calls) | 10 |
*
10 participants did not answer the item
**
14 participants did not answer the item.