Table 4.
Suggested interventions to overcome some barriers in mainstreaming genetic testing for colorectal and endometrial cancer into oncology services.
| GHP n = 41 (%) | OHP n = 102 (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention (Systems and engaging) to address barrier | ||
| Lack of funding or unwillingness to allocate funds to more staff to support integration | ||
| Lack of time or capacity for OHP to take on the effort of integrating GT as a standard service | ||
| An app with all the relevant information to integrate genetic testing into my practice | 11 (27%) | 47 (46%) |
| An app with patient friendly information about genetic testing | 15 (37%) | 50 (49%) |
| A website with all the relevant information to integrate genetic testing into my practice | 18 (44%) | 63 (62%) |
| Lack of local infrastructure or systems to support the service | ||
| Multidisciplinary team meeting template to include genetic tests ordered and need for follow-up discussed at meeting | 34 (83%) | 68 (67%) |
| Checklist or flowchart of the process for integrating genetic panel testing as standard practice | 30 (73%) | 61 (60%) |
| Patient tracking system in the EMR (electronic medical record) to ensure genetic results are followed up | 28 (68%) | 63 (62%) |
| An easy way to order genetic tests and log the test order in the EMR | 24 (59%) | 81 (79%) |
| Integration of genetic information into the main EMR system | 16 (39%) | 48 (47%) |
| Intervention (Personnel or education) to address barrier | ||
| Lack of time or capacity for OHP to take on the effort of integrating GT as a standard service | ||
| A genetics contact person available via telephone for ongoing support when integrating panel genetic testing into routine practice | 32 (78%) | 74 (73%) |
| Embedded genetic counsellor in oncology to do pre-test genetic counselling | 29 (71%) | 69 (68%) |
| Information for oncology health professionals (OHP) on how to talk with their patients about genetics and genetic testing | 27 (66%) | 60 (59%) |
| Insufficient data or evidence to demonstrate the value of integrating panel genetic testing | ||
| Online training regarding panel genetic testing and adoption as standard practice | 26 (63%) | 56 (55%) |
| Face to face education on genetics and panel genetic test adoption | 25 (61%) | 38 (37%) |
| Genetics specific training in medical school or oncology training | 33 (81%) | 53 (52%) |
| Information for OHP about patient management if a test is positive | 25 (61%) | 70 (69%) |
| Information for OHP about how to manage questions from family members about their genetic risk | 21 (51%) | 63 (62%) |
| Handouts for OHP to give their patients with specific information if a test is positive | 21 (51%) | 83 (81%) |