“When Information is Not Enough”: A Model for Understanding BRCA-Positive Previvors’ Information Needs Regarding Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2017

Keywords

BRCA, decision-making, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, information, genetics, previvors, uncertainty

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2017.03.013

Abstract

Objective: To investigate BRCA-positive, unaffected patients’ – referred to as previvors – information needs after testing positive for a deleterious BRCA genetic mutation.

Methods: 25 qualitative interviews were conducted with previvors. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method of grounded theory.

Results: Analysis revealed a theoretical model of previvors’ information needs related to the stage of their health journey. Specifically, a four-stage model was developed based on the data: (1) pre-testing information needs, (2) post-testing information needs, (3) pre-management information needs, and (4) post-management information needs. Two recurring dimensions of desired knowledge also emerged within the stages—personal/social knowledge and medical knowledge.

Conclusions: While previvors may be genetically predisposed to develop cancer, they have not been diagnosed with cancer, and therefore have different information needs than cancer patients and cancer survivors.

Practice Implications: This model can serve as a framework for assisting healthcare providers in meeting the specific information needs of cancer previvors.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Patient Education and Counseling, v. 100, issue 9, p. 1738-1743

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS