Table 2.

Approaches to enhancing community genetic literacy

Approach	Benefits	Challenges
Specialist staff outreach delivery (one-to-one or group sessions; with or without materials)	• Consistent and accurate message • Information tailored to need • Easy service referral if needed • Use of accessible community venues	• Limited reach • May be mistrusted • Anonymity not guaranteed • High cost (particularly if external consultants used)
Community-based existing generalist staff delivery (one-to-one or group sessions, with or without materials)	• Trusted by community • Sensitive to community dynamics • May encourage self-referral • Use of accessible community venues	• Require support • Danger of inaccurate and inconsistent messages • No tailoring of information to need • Competing agendas—focus lost • Anonymity not guaranteed
Stand-alone printed leaflets for general population (English and community languages)	• Wide reach • Anonymous access possible • Low cost	• Poorly targeted • Limited detail possible • Inaccessible to non-literate • No tailoring of information to need • No opportunity for clarification • Reliant on self-referral • Limited durability
Stand-alone printed booklets for families at risk	• Comprehensive information • Durable—repeated reading possible	• Limited reach • Reliant on self-referral • No opportunity for clarification • Inaccessible to non-literate • High cost
Stand-alone website material (including embedded video material)	• Easily accessed • Comprehensive information • Wide potential reach • Durable; repeat reading possible • Video content may be accessible to non-literate	• Unsuitable for some sub-groups • Reliant on self-referral • No opportunity for clarification
TV broadcast in GP practices	• Wide reach • Credibility of NHS location • Consistent, accurate • Durable; repeat watching possible	• Poorly targeted • Easily ignored • No opportunity for clarification • Reliant on self-referral • High cost
Integrated message within general infant health education materials	• Non-stigmatising • Wide reach • Anonymous access possible • Low cost	• Poorly targeted • Very limited detail • No tailoring of information to need • No opportunity for clarification • Reliant on self-referral • Limited durability