Evaluation of Alternative Model of Cancer Genetics Service Delivery at St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN)
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Dahlia Shaaban
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Genetic Counseling
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Laura Limone
Abstract:
In March 2021, the Cancer Risk and Genetics Program (CRGP) at St. Luke’s University Health Network piloted an alternative service delivery model for patients ages 60 and younger who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The program was designed to expedite the turnaround time of STAT genetic testing (GT), allowing patients to receive critical genetic information sooner and facilitate their surgical decision-making process. In a collaboration between the CRGP and the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, the principal investigator conducted a program evaluation to assess whether the STAT GT program was effectively designed and implemented to meet the needs of this patient population, focusing on the outcome of patient satisfaction. The research team assessed levels of patient satisfaction regarding interactions with the CRGP genetics team, participation in the STAT GT process, and patient appreciation of the clinical utility of genetic information. A total of 504 patients received a survey which solicited quantitative and qualitative feedback on experiences in the STAT GT program and the responses of 40 participants were included in data analysis. Statistical methods included descriptive and correlation analysis to assess relationships between reported levels of patient satisfaction and contextual data including age at the time of diagnosis, cancer staging at the time of diagnosis, time since diagnosis, and genetic test results. Participants generally reported moderate to high levels of agreement with satisfaction measures, with average reported satisfaction scores ranging from 4.05 to 4.83 out of a possible maximum score of 5.00. Elevated levels of patient satisfaction and broadly favorable feedback reported by participants indicate that the STAT GT program was successful in meeting the needs of this patient population, irrespective of patient contextual variables. The need for improved internal communication was identified as an area for improvement in program implementation, including more effective education and coordination with staff responsible for collecting patient samples at regional SLUHN laboratory sites, as well as more effective sharing of GT results with the breast surgeon and other providers within the patient’s care team to ensure timely surgical decision-making. The STAT GT program has proven to be a successful model of cancer genetics service delivery in advancing patient satisfaction and may effectively be replicated for other indications.