Erin Tagai, Ph.D., MPH

Aperçu de la recherche

Every year, tens of thousands of people in the United States are diagnosed with preventable cancer due to an unknown hereditary (genetic) risk of cancer. While the public has a favorable view on genetics in medicine, the lack of awareness about genetic testing means some people with an increased cancer risk are missing out on opportunities to prevent cancer or detect it early by making informed, personalized care decisions based on genetic testing.

The 21st Century Cures Act was signed into law on December 13th, 2016, with the goal of making personal medical information more accessible to patients. This groundbreaking legislation ensures patients receive access to all of their electronic medical records, including nearly immediate access to electronic medical results such as genetic testing results. The medical community has voiced many concerns over patients receiving results before they can discuss them with a health care provider. Risks include the potential for misunderstanding and confusion, increased patient worry, and more time and stress for the patient.

To increase patient knowledge, reduce distress and improve patient-provider communication, our project seeks to develop a Large Language Model-based ChatBot, “GenChat.” This chatbot will be designed to deliver genetic testing results, provide medically accurate and lay friendly information and encourage patients to follow up with their genetic counselor for more information and support.

We will complete interviews with patients and a genetic counselor advisory board, cognitive interviews evaluating GenChat and a randomized controlled pilot trial. The study will also develop GenChat messages customized to address patients’ perceived risk of developing cancer based on their results, as well as their perceived ability to manage their cancer risk and comprehend their genetic testing results.

My “Why”

My “why” results from my parents’ cancer history and a desire to develop interventions to help people navigate cancer prevention and treatment. My background in biology and public health further enhanced my interest in creating solutions to improve cancer outcomes and patient quality of life.

Pourquoi le financement est important

Funding [from the Prevent Cancer Foundation] will provide the necessary resources to develop and pilot test our ChatBot with the hope of improving patient understanding of genetic testing results prior to patients’ appointments with their genetic counselor. Many individuals are understandably worried when they receive their genetic test results—which can often be confusing—and are left to wonder what the results mean for themselves and their families. Our goal is to help people better understand their results and improve their communication with genetic counselors during appointments.