iKNOW: A Digital Tool for Counseling Women at Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Feufel Markus A., Speiser Dorothee, Schüürhuis Stephen, Neumann Konrad, Keinert Marie, Stegen Steffi, Rauwolf Gudrun, Heibges Maren, Westfal Viola, Besch Laura, Olbrich Christine, Klein Katharina, Witzel Isabell
Primary Institution: Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Hypothesis
The counseling tool iKNOW will lead to a more accurate understanding of 10-year breast cancer and ovarian cancer risk at 6 months after the first counseling.
Conclusion
iKNOW tends to positively influence the understanding of familial cancer risk without negatively impacting secondary endpoints.
Supporting Evidence
- Women in the intervention group had a higher percentage of correct risk estimates for breast cancer compared to the control group.
- The iKNOW tool was designed to improve risk understanding and quality of life for women with BRCA1/2 variants.
- Participants reported that the content of counseling was rated more positively in the intervention group.
- iKNOW allows for personalized and standardized counseling processes.
- Women in the intervention group showed smaller deviations in risk estimates compared to the control group.
Takeaway
The iKNOW tool helps women understand their cancer risks better, making it easier for them to make informed decisions about their health.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial with self-report questionnaires administered to 217 women at multiple time points.
Potential Biases
Counselors were not blinded to the intervention, which could introduce bias in the results.
Limitations
The study was not blinded, and the intervention was tested against a standard condition where physicians were already experienced in risk communication.
Participant Demographics
Average age of participants was 40.4 years; most had a partner, higher education, were employed, and had children.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.032
Confidence Interval
[1.1, 5.8]
Statistical Significance
p=0.032
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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