THE USE OF VIDEOTAPED INFORMATION IN CANCER GENETIC-COUNSELING - A RANDOMIZED EVALUATION STUDY

A video of introductory information about inherited susceptibility to breast cancer was made in consultation with clinicians in four Scottis h cancer family clinics. One hundred and twenty-eight women, newly ref erred for breast cancer risk counselling were randomized to receive th e video before (n = 66) or after (n = 62) counselling. Data were colle cted before randomization at clinic and by postal follow-up at 1 month . The Video Before group had shorter consultations with the breast sur geon (mean = 11.8 min +/- 5.4 vs 14.6 +/- 7.2 for the Video After grou p). There was no difference between the groups in the accuracy of thei r risk estimate after counselling, although the Video Before group sco red higher for self-reported (Z = 3.65, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01) and object ively assessed understanding (Z = 2.91, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01). At 1 mont h follow-up, the Video Before group were less likely to underestimate their risk estimate (38% vs 18%; chi(2) = 4.62, d.f. = 1, P < 0.05), b ut there was then no difference between the groups in subjective or ob jective understanding. Use of the video was not associated with increa sed distress (GHQ, Spielberger State Anxiety) and was associated with greater satisfaction with the information given at the clinic, This st udy supports the value of videotape as a method of giving information to prepare women for breast cancer risk counselling, Observations of m isunderstandings and distress emphasize the video should be seen as an aid to, not a substitute, for communications at the clinic.