Unequal cancer genetic counseling conversations in real-world clinics
Disparities in cancer genetic counseling encounters in the naturalistic clinical setting
This research looks at whether cancer genetic counseling conversations differ for patients from different backgrounds and how those differences influence care and patient experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142494 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will record and analyze real genetic counseling visits at clinics that serve diverse patients to see how conversations actually unfold. They will measure counselors’ spontaneously activated attitudes as well as their deliberately reported beliefs and link those to communication quality and clinical discussions about cancer risk and testing. The team will compare encounters across different patient groups to identify patterns tied to social background. They will also follow patient-centered outcomes to see whether differences in counseling are associated with worse experiences or recommendations for some patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults and family members referred for or receiving cancer genetic counseling at participating clinics, especially people from underserved or vulnerable communities, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not receiving genetic counseling, not interested in genetic testing, or receiving care outside the participating clinics are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help make genetic counseling more equitable and improve cancer prevention and testing for underserved patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked provider attitudes and communication to healthcare disparities, but applying these approaches to natural, recorded genetic counseling encounters and distinguishing spontaneous versus reported beliefs is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quillin, John M. — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Quillin, John M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.