Mainstreaming Genetics: Evaluation of a Digital Application to Scale and Spread Oncologist-initiated Genetic Testing (NCT07387263)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Genetic testing can alter therapy and surgical management for cancer patients and is therefore indicated as a first-line test for many newly diagnosed patients, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and colon/GI patients. To reduce pressure on already constrained genetics clinics across Canada, some cancer centres are 'mainstreaming' genetic testing - whereby genetic testing is initiated and mediated by oncologists without traditional pre-test genetic counseling (GC) often using some form of paper-based patient pamphlets or videos. There is no standard, evidence-based approach to mainstreaming, leading to significant practice variation, a lack of coordinated care and ultimately, negative psychological impacts on patients. Digital solutions can address these gaps by providing a standardized, coordinated and patient-centered approach to deliver cancer genetic education. However, digital solutions for providing cancer genetics services are uncommon and clinical-effectiveness and service delivery outcomes have not been well-assessed. This study will test a digital mainstreaming platform called the Genetics Adviser for Mainstream care to assess its effectiveness in improving psychological outcomes and patient-centred care for mainstream cancer patients compared to standard of care.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (6 items).
Location: Sunnybrook Hospital — Toronto, Ontario
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Receiving cancer genetic testing via a referral to a genetics clinic
- Do not speak or read English
- Under 18 years of age
- Determined to have diminished, marginal and or fluctuating decisional capacity
- Lack access to internet or an electronic device
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)
- Sunnybrook Hospital — Toronto, Ontario
- Mount Sinai Hospital — Toronto, Ontario
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.