@article{5826bc61b7b64745b4c89847d88782cc,
title = "Systematic development of a training program for healthcare professionals to improve communication about breast cancer genetic counseling with low health literate patients",
abstract = "There is a disproportionate underuse of genetic testing in breast cancer patients from lower education or migrant background. Within these groups, communication about referral to genetic counseling appears challenging due to limited health literacy and cultural barriers. Our aim was to develop and evaluate a training program for healthcare professionals (breast surgeons and specialized nurses), to increase effective communication. We systematically developed a blended training program based on patients{\textquoteright} and healthcare professionals{\textquoteright} needs and preferences. Prior to the training, we assessed awareness, knowledge and self-efficacy of healthcare professionals. Acceptability and usefulness of the training program were assessed directly after the training. Healthcare professionals (n = 65) from 17 hospitals showed moderate to high awareness and knowledge about the prevalence and impact of limited health literacy. They were aware of cultural factors that influence communication. However, they did not feel confident in recognizing limited health literacy and their self-efficacy to communicate effectively with these patients was low. The training program was rated as acceptable and useful. Healthcare professionals lack confidence to effectively communicate with patients with limited health literacy or migrant background. The training program offers opportunities to improve communication about referral to breast cancer genetic counseling.",
keywords = "Blended training program, Breast cancer genetic counseling, Communication skills, Disparities, Health literacy, Migrant status, Referral",
author = "{van der Giessen}, {Jeanine A.M.} and Ausems, {Margreet G.E.M.} and {van den Muijsenbergh}, {Maria E.T.C.} and {van Dulmen}, Sandra and Fransen, {Mirjam P.}",
note = "Funding Information: We are grateful to the patients and healthcare professionals who participated in the focus group interviews and thank clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, surgeons and specialized nurses for their contribution to and participation in the Erfo4all training program. We thank the Dutch Reading and Writing foundation that we could use their video-recording. Also many thanks to Jolanda van der Velden, trainer from Pharos and Laila Elghoul, training actress and the members of our support committee: Jessica Baars, Thijs van Dalen, Margriet Coll{\'e}e, Maartje Hooning, Cora Aalfs, Klaartje van Engelen, Lide van der Vegt (Mammarosa), Goli Abdurahman (Breast Cancer Association Netherlands), Caroline Willems (Oncogen), and Mary Velthuizen. This work was supported by Pink Ribbon Foundation and Vriendenloterij, Grant Number 2016-204. Funding Information: We are grateful to the patients and healthcare professionals who participated in the focus group interviews and thank clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, surgeons and specialized nurses for their contribution to and participation in the Erfo4all training program. We thank the Dutch Reading and Writing foundation that we could use their video-recording. Also many thanks to Jolanda van der Velden, trainer from Pharos and Laila Elghoul, training actress and the members of our support committee: Jessica Baars, Thijs van Dalen, Margriet Coll{\'e}e, Maartje Hooning, Cora Aalfs, Klaartje van Engelen, Lide van der Vegt (Mammarosa), Goli Abdurahman (Breast Cancer Association Netherlands), Caroline Willems (Oncogen), and Mary Velthuizen. This work was supported by Pink Ribbon Foundation and Vriendenloterij, Grant Number 2016-204. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2020, The Author(s).",
year = "2020",
month = oct,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1007/s10689-020-00176-3",
language = "English",
volume = "19",
pages = "281--290",
journal = "Familial cancer",
issn = "1389-9600",
publisher = "Springer Netherlands",
number = "4",
}