Rapid advances in cancer genetics are paving the way towards personalized cancer management, and genetic testing is now an important decision-making tool. Despite the advantages, genetic testing adds a layer of complexity in the management which is difficult to communicate with patients. The variability health literacy among patients may restrict their engagement in genetic procedures. Improving the language and presentation of genomic concepts can influence patients' risk assessment and willingness to undergo testing. The study aimed to compare the knowledge and attitudes of cancer patients presenting to oncology clinics at The American University of Beirut Medical Center before and after watching a short educational video that clarifies the concepts of genetic mutations, genetic testing technique, and its purposes.Twenty-nine adult patients presenting to the oncology clinics and due to receive somatic or germline genetic testing filled a questionnaire which assesses their knowledge and attitudes before and after the educational video was played. The majority of patients had poor baseline knowledge before the intervention. After watching the video, the percentage of patients with poor knowledge decreased to a minimum of 3.4% and a maximum of 39% for each concept. Mean score for attitude questions also increased significantly. Effective patient education and counseling programs in the patients' native language prior to genetic testing can increase knowledge, decrease hesitancy, and improve clinical decision making. A short educational video is an example of a simple intervention towards an inclusive approach in patient care all over the world.
Keywords: Genetic testing; Patient counseling; Patient education; Video.
© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to American Association for Cancer Education.