"Mainstreaming" Germline Genetic Testing: How Nongenetics Providers Can Help Fill the Workforce Gap

About this episode

Dr. Chino and Dr. Hoffman discuss the role of nongenetics providers in increasing access to germline genetic testing amidst workforce challenges.

Germline genetic testing can play an essential role in identifying cancer risk, guiding treatment decisions, and informing screening and/or preventive strategies for both patients and patient family members. Access to timely and convenient genetic testing can be challenging based on increased indications for testing, larger gene panels, and high numbers of positive tests which are overloading a limited genetics workforce. This is leading to long wait times and widening disparities in access to genetic testing. Dr. Chino welcomes Dr. Trevor Hoffman to discuss an intervention he helped pilot using non-genetics providers to increase access while maintaining quality. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Fumiko Chino: Hello and welcome to Put Into Practice, the podcast from the JCO Oncology Practice . I'm Dr. Fumiko Chino, an assistant professor in radiation oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center with a research focus on access, affordability, and equity. Germline genetic testing can play an essential role to identify cancer risk, guide treatment directions, and inform screening or preventative strategies for both patients and patient family members. Access to timely and convenient genetic testing can be…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chino, Fumiko Chino

Guest: Dr. Trevor Hoffman

Topics covered

• genetic testing
• cancer risk
• healthcare access
• workforce challenges
• preventive strategies

Keywords

• germline genetic testing
• cancer risk
• treatment decisions
• screening strategies
• genetics workforce
• access disparities
• non-genetics providers
• quality maintenance

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Put Into Practice, Expanding Germline Hereditary Cancer Gene Panel Testing by Non-Genetics Providers

Places: Southern California

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