Evaluating an Evidence-Based Family History Screening Program Adapted to Increase Reach and Uptake of Screening for BRCA-Associated Cancers in Rural Public Health Clinics

Summary

This clinical trial adapts and evaluates the effectiveness of a family history screening program (GA CORE) for increasing uptake of genetic screening for BRCA-associated cancers in women who have received care in rural public health clinics in Southwest Georgia. Brief and low-cost family history-based screening assessments to identify families at high risk for BRCA-associated cancers have been endorsed by national guidelines and public health organizations. Georgia is among the few states to have implemented statewide family history screening for BRCA-associated cancers. Despite its potential, current clinic-based approaches that identify at-risk women are not sustainable and show limited reach. Additionally, uptake of follow-up cancer screening is sub-optimal and solely focuses on women screened as high genetic risk. This trial will adapt the existing family history screening program and then evaluate it's effectiveness for increasing the number and diversity of women who receive a history assessment and subsequent access to risk-based services such as genetic counseling and testing.

Detailed description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. Conduct a multilevel adaptation of GA CORE's existing statewide family history screening program for BRCA-associated cancers to maximize sustainable program reach and improve communication suitability and effectiveness. (Phase I \[Exploration \& Preparation stages\]) II. Use a multi-site, parallel group, cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness of the adapted program relative to the current screening program in promoting uptake of family history screening and correct screening result interpretation among women ages 25 and older who are receiving care in up to 6 of 14 public health clinics in Southwest Georgia. (Phase II \[Implementation stage\]) III. Use the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework to conduct an implementation research evaluation to measure program process indicators (e.g., reach, fidelity, barriers/facilitators) that may influence program implementation and sustainability. (Phase II \[Implementation stage\]) OUTLINE: AIM 1: Participants attend stakeholder advisory committee meetings over 2 hours monthly for 14 months, may attend interviews and/or complete surveys, and attend discussion forums in support of the adaptation of the existing GA CORE screening program on study. AIM 2: Participating clinics are cluster randomized to 1 of 2 arms. Standard Care Arm: Clinics in the standard care arm follow the existing GA CORE process. Women visiting or calling the clinic are offered FH screening, with public health nurses assisting eligible participants through the GA CORE website. Nurses complete data entry manually using patient identifiers and clinic codes. All referrals are done manually, and there are no follow-ups for screening-negative results. Adapted Intervention Arm: The intervention arm includes four key steps designed to enhance the family health screening process. Before the visit, clinics will engage in community outreach using tools such as social media, events, and promotional materials to raise awareness and drive appointment scheduling through the updated GA CORE website 2.0. During the visit, the intervention streamlines the screening process by embedding reminders into workflows and simplifying results communication and documentation. Patients receive theory-based communication materials about their results. After the visit, follow-ups are automated using the updated website 2.0, consolidating data tracking and incorporating risk-stratified communication strategies to encourage appropriate cancer screening behaviors. Positive family history screening results in both arms lead to standard follow-up genetic consultation and testing services. AIM 3: Participants attend interviews or workshop discussions on study.

Arms & interventions

• OtherAdapted Family History Screening Program

  The intervention includes four key steps designed to enhance the family health screening process. Before the visit, clinics will engage in community outreach using tools such as social media, events, and promotional materials to raise awareness and drive appointment scheduling through the updated GA CORE website 2.0. During the visit, the intervention streamlines the screening process by embedding reminders into workflows and simplifying results communication and documentation. Patients receive theory-based communication materials about their results. After the visit, follow-ups are automated using the updated website 2.0, consolidating data tracking and incorporating risk-stratified communication strategies to encourage appropriate cancer screening behaviors.

Outcome measures

Eligibility criteria