1
|
Terra L, Lee Meeuw Kjoe PR, Agelink van Rentergem JA, Beekman MJ, Heemskerk-Gerritsen BAM, van Beurden M, Roeters van Lennep JE, van Doorn HC, de Hullu JA, Mourits MJE, van Dorst EBL, Mom CH, Slangen BFM, Gaarenstroom KN, van der Kolk LE, Collée JM, Wevers MR, Ausems MGEM, van Engelen K, van de Beek I, Berger LPV, van Asperen CJ, Gomez Garcia EB, Maas AHEM, Hooning MJ, van der Wall E, van Leeuwen FE, Schagen SB. Long-term effects of premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy on cognition in women with high familial risk of ovarian cancer: A cross-sectional study. BJOG 2023; 130:968-977. [PMID: 36715559 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of a premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in women at increased risk of ovarian cancer on objective and subjective cognition at least 10 years after RRSO. DESIGN A cross-sectional study with prospective follow-up, nested in a nationwide cohort. SETTING Multicentre in the Netherlands. POPULATION OR SAMPLE 641 women (66% BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers) who underwent either a premenopausal RRSO ≤ age 45 (n = 436) or a postmenopausal RRSO ≥ age 54 (n = 205). All participants were older than 55 years at recruitment. METHODS Participants completed an online cognitive test battery and a questionnaire on subjective cognition. We used multivariable regression analyses, adjusting for age, education, breast cancer, hormone replacement therapy, cardiovascular risk factors and depression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The influence of RRSO on objective and subjective cognition of women with a premenopausal RRSO compared with women with a postmenopausal RRSO. RESULTS After adjustment, women with a premenopausal RRSO (mean time since RRSO 18.2 years) performed similarly on objective cognitive tests compared with women with a postmenopausal RRSO (mean time since RRSO 11.9 years). However, they more frequently reported problems with reasoning (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.1-3.1) and multitasking (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.4) than women with a postmenopausal RRSO. This difference between groups disappeared in an analysis restricted to women of comparable ages (60-70 years). CONCLUSIONS Reassuringly, approximately 18 years after RRSO, we found no association between premenopausal RRSO and objective cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Terra
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe R Lee Meeuw Kjoe
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten J Beekman
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marc van Beurden
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Helena C van Doorn
- Department for Gynaecologic Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna A de Hullu
- Department for Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marian J E Mourits
- Department for Gynaecologic Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora B L van Dorst
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Constantijne H Mom
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brigitte F M Slangen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Katja N Gaarenstroom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lizet E van der Kolk
- Family Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Margriet Collée
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke R Wevers
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet G E M Ausems
- Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Klaartje van Engelen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irma van de Beek
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lieke P V Berger
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christi J van Asperen
- Department for Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Encarna B Gomez Garcia
- Department for Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Angela H E M Maas
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje J Hooning
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elsken van der Wall
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Flora E van Leeuwen
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne B Schagen
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bychkovsky BL, Agaoglu NB, Horton C, Zhou J, Yussuf A, Hemyari P, Richardson ME, Young C, LaDuca H, McGuinness DL, Scheib R, Garber JE, Rana HQ. Differences in Cancer Phenotypes Among Frequent CHEK2 Variants and Implications for Clinical Care-Checking CHEK2. JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:1598-1606. [PMID: 36136322 PMCID: PMC9501803 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.4071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Germline CHEK2 pathogenic variants (PVs) are frequently detected by multigene cancer panel testing (MGPT), but our understanding of PVs beyond c.1100del has been limited. Objective To compare cancer phenotypes of frequent CHEK2 PVs individually and collectively by variant type. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study was carried out in a single diagnostic testing laboratory from 2012 to 2019. Overall, 3783 participants with CHEK2 PVs identified via MGPT were included. Medical histories of cancer in participants with frequent PVs, negative MGPT (wild type), loss-of-function (LOF), and missense were compared. Main Outcomes and Measures Participants were stratified by CHEK2 PV type. Descriptive statistics were summarized including median (IQR) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical characteristics. Differences in age and proportions were assessed with Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher exact tests, respectively. Frequencies, odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and P values were corrected for multiple comparisons where appropriate. Results Of the 3783 participants with CHEK2 PVs, 3473 (92%) were female and most reported White race. Breast cancer was less frequent in participants with p.I157T (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56-0.78; P<.001), p.S428F (OR, 0.59; 95% CI. 0.46-0.76; P<.001), and p.T476M (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.98; P = .04) PVs compared with other PVs and an association with nonbreast cancers was not found. Following the exclusion of p.I157T, p.S428F, and p.T476M, participants with monoallelic CHEK2 PV had a younger age at first cancer diagnosis (P < .001) and were more likely to have breast (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.66-2.02; P < .001), thyroid (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.26-2.08; P < .001), and kidney cancer (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.75-3.68; P < .001) than the wild-type cohort. Participants with a CHEK2 PV were less likely to have a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.51-0.76; P < .001) compared with those in the wild-type cohort. There were no significant differences between frequent CHEK2 PVs and c.1100del and no differences between CHEK2 missense and LOF PVs. Conclusions and Relevance CHEK2 PVs, with few exceptions (p.I157T, p.S428F, and p.T476M), were associated with similar cancer phenotypes irrespective of variant type. CHEK2 PVs were not associated with colorectal cancer, but were associated with breast, kidney, and thyroid cancers. Compared with other CHEK2 PVs, the frequent p.I157T, p.S428F, and p.T476M alleles have an attenuated association with breast cancer and were not associated with nonbreast cancers. These data may inform the genetic counseling and care of individuals with CHEK2 PVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L. Bychkovsky
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nihat B. Agaoglu
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Genetics, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Jing Zhou
- Ambry Genetics, Aliso Viejo, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rochelle Scheib
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Judy E. Garber
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Huma Q. Rana
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martin AP, Downing J, Collins B, Godman B, Alfirevic A, Greenhalgh KL, Pirmohamed M. Examining the uptake of predictive BRCA testing in the UK; findings and implications. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:699-708. [PMID: 33328582 PMCID: PMC8115171 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Predictive BRCA testing is offered to asymptomatic individuals to predict future risk where a variant has been identified in a relative. It is uncertain whether all eligible relatives access testing, and whether this is related to health care inequalities. Our aim was to analyse trends and inequalities in uptake of testing, and identify predictors of testing and time-to-receipt of testing. A database from April 2010 to March 2017 was collated. Multivariate analysis explored individual associations with testing. Predictor variables included gender, BRCA test type, cancer history, Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and education status. To evaluate factors associated with time-to-testing, a Cox proportional-hazards (CP) model was used. Of 779 tests undertaken, 336 (43.1%) were identified with a BRCA variant. A total of 537 (68.9%) were female and in 83.4% (387/464) of probands, predictive testing was received by relatives. Analysis identified inequalities since decreased testing was found when the proband was unaffected by cancer (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.06-0.33). Median time-to-testing was 390 days (range, 0-7090 days) and the CP model also identified inequalities in the hazard ratio (HR) for testing for people aged >40 was higher than for aged <40 (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.20-1.67) and BRCA2 testing was higher than for BRCA1 testing (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.18-1.64). Reduced testing was found when probands were unaffected by cancer and time-to-testing was found to vary by age and BRCA1/2 test. Given limited study sample size, further research is recommended to examine inequalities in predictive BRCA testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antony P Martin
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), North West Coast, UK.
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Jennifer Downing
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), North West Coast, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Brendan Collins
- Department of Public Health & Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, South Africa
| | - Ana Alfirevic
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), North West Coast, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Munir Pirmohamed
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), North West Coast, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Willis A, Smith S, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Young MA. Sociodemographic, psychosocial and clinical factors associated with uptake of genetic counselling for hereditary cancer: a systematic review. Clin Genet 2016; 92:121-133. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A.M. Willis
- Psychosocial Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - S.K. Smith
- Psychosocial Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - B. Meiser
- Psychosocial Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - M.L. Ballinger
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Cancer Division; Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Darlinghurst Australia
| | - D.M. Thomas
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Cancer Division; Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Darlinghurst Australia
| | - M.-A. Young
- Familial Cancer Centre; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Melbourne Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Asthana S, Gibson A, Bailey T, Moon G, Hewson P, Dibben C. Equity of utilisation of cardiovascular care and mental health services in England: a cohort-based cross-sectional study using small-area estimation. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr04140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundA strong policy emphasis on the need to reduce both health inequalities and unmet need in deprived areas has resulted in the substantial redistribution of English NHS funding towards deprived areas. This raises the question of whether or not socioeconomically disadvantaged people continue to be disadvantaged in their access to and utilisation of health care.ObjectivesTo generate estimates of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and common mental health disorders (CMHDs) at a variety of scales, and to make these available for public use via Public Health England (PHE). To compare these estimates with utilisation of NHS services in England to establish whether inequalities of use relative to need at various stages on the health-care pathway are associated with particular sociodemographic or other factors.DesignCross-sectional analysis of practice-, primary care trust- and Clinical Commissioning Group-level variations in diagnosis, prescribing and specialist management of CVD and CMHDs relative to the estimated prevalence of those conditions (calculated using small-area estimation).ResultsThe utilisation of CVD care appears more equitable than the utilisation of care for CMHDs. In contrast to the reviewed literature, we found little evidence of underutilisation of services by older populations. Indeed, younger populations appear to be less likely to access care for some CVD conditions. Nor did deprivation emerge as a consistent predictor of lower use relative to need for either CVD or CMHDs. Ethnicity is a consistent predictor of variations in use relative to need. Rates of primary management are lower than expected in areas with higher percentages of black populations for diabetes, stroke and CMHDs. Areas with higher Asian populations have higher-than-expected rates of diabetes presentation and prescribing and lower-than-expected rates of secondary care for diabetes. For both sets of conditions, there are pronounced geographical variations in use relative to need. For instance, the North East has relatively high levels of use of cardiac care services and rural (shire) areas have low levels of use relative to need. For CMHDs, there appears to be a pronounced ‘London effect’, with the number of people registered by general practitioners as having depression, or being prescribed antidepressants, being much lower in London than expected. A total of 24 CVD and 41 CMHD prevalence estimates have been provided to PHE and will be publicly available at a range of scales, from lower- and middle-layer super output areas through to Clinical Commissioning Groups and local authorities.ConclusionsWe found little evidence of socioeconomic inequality in use for CVD and CMHDs relative to underlying need, which suggests that the strong targeting of NHS resources to deprived areas may well have addressed longstanding concerns about unmet need. However, ethnicity has emerged as a significant predictor of inequality, and there are large and unexplained geographical variations in use relative to need for both conditions which undermine the principle of equal access to health care for equal needs. The persistence of ethnic variations and the role of systematic factors (such as rurality) in shaping patterns of utilisation deserve further investigation, as does the fact that the models were far better at explaining variation in use of CVD than mental health services.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Asthana
- School of Government, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Alex Gibson
- School of Government, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Trevor Bailey
- College of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Graham Moon
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Hewson
- School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Chris Dibben
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dekker N, Hermens RPMG, Nagengast FM, van Zelst-Stams WAG, Hoogerbrugge N. Familial colorectal cancer risk assessment needs improvement for more effective cancer prevention in relatives. Colorectal Dis 2013; 15:e175-85; discussion p.e185. [PMID: 23451840 DOI: 10.1111/codi.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM Twelve to thirty % of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and relatives with an increased familial risk of CRC are referred for preventive measures. New guidelines recommend genetic counselling for high-risk families and surveillance colonoscopy for moderate-risk families. Assessment of familial risk of CRC and referral rates for these preventive measures were determined 1 year after the introduction of new guidelines. METHOD Assessment of familial risk of CRC and referral for preventive measures were measured in clinical practice among 358 patients with CRC in 18 hospitals using medical records and questionnaires. Additionally, a knowledge survey was performed among 312 clinicians. RESULTS Sixty-seven % of patients with an increased familial risk (n = 65/97) were referred for preventive measures, as were 23% (61/261) of low-risk patients. The uptake of genetic counselling in high-risk families was 33% (12/36). The uptake of surveillance colonoscopy in moderate-risk families was 34% (21/61). In the knowledge survey clinicians correctly determined familial risk in 55% and preventive measures in 65% of cases. CONCLUSION Currently 67% of individuals with an increased familial risk of CRC were referred for preventive measures. Only one-third were referred in accordance with guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Dekker
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
van Riel E, van Dulmen S, Ausems MGEM. Who is being referred to cancer genetic counseling? Characteristics of counselees and their referral. J Community Genet 2012; 3:265-74. [PMID: 22426886 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-012-0090-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Both physician and patient play a role in the referral process for cancer genetic counseling. Access to such counseling is not optimal because some eligible patients are not being reached by current referral practice. We aimed to identify factors associated with the initiator of referral. During a 7-month period, we recorded demographic characteristics like gender, personal and family history of cancer, ethnicity and eligibility for genetic testing for 406 consecutive counselees using a specially designed questionnaire. Counselees were seen in a university hospital or a community hospital (n = 7) in the Netherlands. We also recorded educational level of each counselee, clinical setting and who initiated referral. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the counselees' general characteristics. We analysed the association between counselee characteristics and the initiator of referral by logistic regression. The majority of counselees seemed to have initiated referral themselves but were indeed eligible for genetic testing. In comparison to the general population in the Netherlands, the counselees had a higher level of education, and there were fewer immigrants, although a higher level of education was not found to be a facilitating factor for referral. The clinical setting where a counselee was seen was associated with initiator of referral, although this relationship was not straightforward. There is a complex interaction between clinical setting and initiator of referral, which warrants further research to elucidate the factors involved in this relationship. Patients seen in cancer genetic counseling do not reflect the general population in terms of educational level or ethnicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E van Riel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, P.O. Box 85090, 3508 AB, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Holloway SM, Lampe AK, Lam WWK. Paediatric referral and attendance rates for the clinical genetics service in south-east Scotland--a comparison of a regional clinic with satellite clinics. Scott Med J 2010; 55:10-3. [PMID: 20218272 DOI: 10.1258/rsmsmj.55.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In some studies the establishment of specialist satellite clinics nearer to the homes of patients has resulted in increased referral and attendance rates, particularly amongst populations in lower socio-economic groups. We investigated the effect on these rates of establishing satellite genetic counselling clinics for families with paediatric conditions in South East Scotland. METHODS AND RESULTS Families offered appointments at a clinic at the regional paediatric hospital were compared with those offered appointments at a satellite clinic at a local district general hospital. Both groups of families were more socially deprived than the general population (regional clinic p < 0.001, satellite clinics p < 0.05), and in both groups attendance rate at first appointment was 88% and inversely related to social deprivation. There was no evidence of greater attendance amongst more deprived patients at the satellite clinics compared to the regional clinic. CONCLUSION Our study found no evidence that the establishment of satellite clinics for genetic counselling in South East Scotland increases attendance by families with paediatric conditions in lower socio-economic groups. This suggests that factors other than clinic location determine referral and attendance rates, and these may include understanding of the reason for referral and the advantage of attendance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Holloway
- Clinical Scientist, Clinical Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|