Implementing Interventions to Increase Breast Cancer Genetic Testing among High-Risk Populations: A Systematic Review of Implementation Strategies, Outcomes and Gaps.

Purpose: To systematically review the implementation strategies, outcomes, and quality of interventions aimed at increasing the uptake of breast cancer-related genetic testing services among high-risk women.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Campbell Coordinating Group databases from January 2005 to October 2024. Studies were included if they evaluated interventions to increase genetic testing uptake or facilitate decision-making about genetic testing.

Results: A total of 27 articles were identified, including 18 interventions aimed at supporting breast cancer genetic testing uptake. Half of the interventions evaluated face-to-face counseling, while the other half employed alternative counselling modalities such as standardized DVD counseling, tailored written materials, and remote video or telephone counseling. Participant satisfaction was consistently high (≥80%) among most interventions, but cost analyses suggested time savings with alternative delivery strategies. However, feasibility varied according to delivery mode. Remote video counseling faced some technical challenges, decision aids/patient education materials were partly less engaging, and alternative counseling modalities might provide more limited opportunities to discuss emotional and social concerns. None of the interventions progressed beyond early adoption.

Conclusions: Alternative approaches to genetic counseling, such as video- and telephone-based delivery and tailored written materials, show promise in terms of feasibility and acceptability. Future research should adopt more rigorous, framework-guided implementation methods with attention to long-term sustainability, while also promoting greater consistency in terminology to improve transparency and comparability.