Rural patients receiving genetic counselling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer via video-conferencing are generally satisfied with the technology and the interaction, however it may be less suitable for certain groups of women, Australian research shows.
The NSW study compared 106 women seen by video-conference and 89 women seen face to face. Video consults involved a genetic clinician as well as a local genetic counsellor who was present with the patient.
One month after genetic counselling no significant differences were found between the groups for knowledge gained, satisfaction with the service, anxiety, depression and perceived empathy.
However, video-conferencing performed better in increasing ‘perceived personal control’, which is considered a key psychological outcome of genetic counselling.
One factor that might account for this finding was...
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