Will they use it? Patient and provider acceptance of chatbot screening and counseling for hereditary cancer syndromes in a geographically underserved population

Abstract

Screening for pathogenic variants associated with hereditary cancer syndromes has a positive impact on public health by identifying patients at risk of developing the associated cancers. This survey assesses the current practice of screening for hereditary cancer syndromes and the acceptability of chatbot utilization among primary care providers and residents in rural Southwest Virginia. A two part survey was conducted among primary care providers and residents in rural Southwest Virginia to assess demographics, health practices, genetic screening practices, and interest in chatbot technology in a geographically underserved population. The response rate for the provider and resident surveys were 8.9% and 19.9% respectively. A total of 66 providers responded to the survey. One third (32.3%) of providers in our study never screen for hereditary cancer syndromes and almost two thirds (63.1%) screen their patients for cancer syndromes less than half the time. About (77%) of providers felt chat bots would be useful in identifying patients who need testing and directing what testing to order. Surveys of 476 residential responders showed (81.9%) of residents felt that chatbot technology sounds somewhat to very useful for genetic screening and counseling. Over (57%) of residents noted they would feel comfortable with utilizing chatbot technology to discuss results of genetic screening. Residents and their providers in geographically underserved populations are interested in using chatbots to improve access to genetic testing. Implementation of technology, such as chatbots, in these under resourced settings has the potential to amplify access to genetic counseling and testing.