Online Training to Increase Genetic and Risk Literacy in Physicians Counseling Breast and Ovarian Cancer Patients for Genetic Testing.

Introduction: The increasing use of germline genetic testing for the clinical management of patients with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer requires an improvement in the genetic and risk literacy of physicians and healthcare professionals. In order to offer high-quality care throughout Germany, from genetic counseling to risk-adapted prevention, the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (GC-HBOC) and the German Cancer Society (DKG) have established a nation-wide cooperation partner network with certified gynecological and breast cancer centers. As a core element of this cooperation, an online-based training program has been developed in which the "state-of-the-art knowledge" on the topic is conveyed.

Methods: The training is aimed at physicians and healthcare professionals working in the specialized centers of the GC-HBOC/certified centers for familial breast and ovarian cancer (FBREK centers) or the cooperating certified gynecological and breast cancer centers. It consists of an online-based part (15 lectures) covering interdisciplinary basics and competencies on political frameworks, genetic and nongenetic risk factors including individual risk calculation, and nondirective communication on risk-adapted prevention options. Patient involvement with voting rights during the development and implementation of the training increased its accuracy of fit for patient needs. After a successful online knowledge test, employees of certified gynecological and breast cancer centers participate in a 1-day, on-site internship at an FBREK center with which a cooperation is planned.

Results: From November 2021 to July 2024, 1,860 participants registered for the online training, of which 1,329 have started to work on the content. So far, 898 participants have passed the online knowledge test. More than 560 participants took part in the accompanying evaluation in which the majority stated that the course helped to increase their professional knowledge, it was relevant to their practical medical work, and it contributed to a more confident approach to patients with a family history of cancer. Most participants stated that it was worthwhile participating in the training in terms of time and organization and that the content, didactics, visual presentations, and comprehensibility were appropriate.

Conclusion: The online-based training serves to impart and expand interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in genetics and risk counseling. It is well received, has been positively evaluated and the format proves to be suitable for strengthening the networked care of patients across sectoral boundaries and promoting the rapid translation of new research findings into clinical practice within the framework of knowledge-generating care.