The impact of genetic counseling on patients' knowledge about tumor genomic profiling.

1592Background: Molecular testing is increasingly being integrated into cancer management. However, despite rapid advancements in this area, little work has been done to explore strategies for communicating genomic information to patients undergoing tumor profiling. This study evaluated the impact of an educational tool combined with genetic counseling on patients’ understanding of key terms related to tumor genomic profiling. Methods: A genetic counseling intern designed a picture book to explain six words found in prior research to be difficult for patients to understand: mutation, germline mutation, somatic mutation, biomarker, molecular testing, and targeted therapy. The picture book was cognitively tested with oncology patients and revised. After consent, patients who had previously discussed molecular testing with their oncologist were asked to define the six words in their own terms. The same patients then received an explanation of each word from the intern using the picture book, and were asked t...