The more you do it, the easier it gets: using behaviour change theory to support health care professionals offering reproductive genetic carrier screening

Best, S; Long, JC; Fehlberg, Z; Theodorou, T; Hatem, S; Archibald, A; Braithwaite, J

Author(s): Best, S; Long, JC; Fehlberg, Z; Theodorou, T; Hatem, S; Archibald, A; Braithwaite, J;
Details: Publication Year 2023-04,Volume 31,Issue #4,Page 430-444
Journal Title: European Journal of Human Genetics
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: Recent advances in genomic sequencing have improved the accessibility of reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS). As awareness and interest grows, non-genetic health care professionals are increasingly offering RGCS to consumers. We conducted a qualitative interview study informed by behaviour change theory to identify influences on health care professionals considered as 'early adopters' offering RGCS through Mackenzie's Mission, an Australian national research study investigating the implementation of free RGCS to couple's preconception or in early pregnancy. Interviews were deductively analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework to examine barriers and enabling factors. In total, we interviewed 31 health care professionals, who were primarily general practitioners (n = 23) offering RGCS through Mackenzie's Mission. Upon analysis, 15 barriers and 44 enablers to implementation were identified and categorised across three health care professional target behaviours 1. Engaging with RGCS, 2. Identifying eligible patients, and 3. Offering RGCS. Whilst all Theoretical Domains Framework domains were present, barriers were predominantly categorised as 'Environmental Context and Resources' e.g., lack of time, followed by 'Knowledge' e.g., lack of understanding about genetics and 'Beliefs about Capabilities' e.g., concern about giving high risk results to patients. Although health care professionals expressed a preference for offering RGCS through a comprehensive and supported model of care, such as Mackenzie's Mission, barriers remain. By understanding what drives current health care professionals' behaviour towards offering RGCS, behaviour change theory provides an avenue to direct future efforts based on evidence and improve service delivery.
Publisher: Springer Nature
Keywords: *Genetic Carrier Screening; Health Personnel; Behavior; Humans; Male; Female; Pregnancy
Department(s): Health Services Research
PubMed ID: 36424524
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-022-01224-5
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-022-01224-5
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2023-07-19 07:47:29

Last Modified: 2023-07-19 07:47:59