Digital Chatbot vs Standard Telehealth for Genetic Counseling and Testing in Young Adult Cancer Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a digital chatbot-enabled intervention compared to standard remote genetic services in adolescents and young adult AYA cancer patients. The study aims to increase the uptake of genetic counseling and testing for cancer predisposition syndromes, which can guide enhanced screening and risk reduction to lower cancer morbidity and mortality. Despite its importance, many AYAs do not currently receive recommended genetic counseling and testing, and this research explores if digital tools can improve access and outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives standard care involving telehealth visits with a genetic counselor for pretest education and result disclosure, along with standard genetic testing. The other group uses the Genetic Journey Chatbot for digital pretest education, with an option to request telehealth counseling as needed they also undergo standard genetic testing and receive counselor result disclosure. The chatbot supports patients by answering questions, identifying barriers, and sending reminders during the testing period. A third group includes non-patient participants who complete interviews. During the study, participants complete surveys and interviews at baseline and follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months. Researchers measure uptake of genetic counseling and testing within six months, along with secondary outcomes such as knowledge, distress, satisfaction, communication with relatives, healthcare behaviors, counselor time, and costs over up to 42 months. The study assesses short-term and long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects, as well as implementation factors. Participant safety and engagement are monitored throughout.

Testing an Enhanced Digital Delivery Model for Inherited Cancer Genetic Testing in Young Adults With Cancer