Clin Genet. 2011 Nov 17. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2011.01813.x. [Epub ahead of print]
E-genetics: Exploring the acceptability and feasibility of using technology in cancer genetics services.
Source
Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.Abstract
The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the delivery of cancer genetics services could improve equality of access in rural areas and help meet the increasing demand for specialist genetics services. An online patient survey and focus groups with patients and staff from the Cancer Genetics Service for Wales (CGSW) were used to explore the acceptability and feasibility of utilising ICTs within genetics services, which we have termed e-genetics. 225 patients completed the online survey. Many aspects of e-genetics proposed in the survey were highly acceptable to patients, including an electronic version of the family history questionnaire, an email facility for cancer genetic queries and a computerised decision-aid. Participants in the focus groups emphasised the importance of patient choice when developing new models of service delivery. For example, the use of genetic counselling via telemedicine was not considered to be preferable to face-to-face clinic appointments but could benefit those unable to travel. This paper highlights the fact that e-genetics initiatives may not be appropriate for all cancer genetics service users. However, user-friendly developments which can be easily implemented and attend to individual needs could improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness whilst providing high quality services to remote areas.© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
- PMID:
- 22091995
- [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario