Abstract PS3-01-24: Results of a training workshop for genetic counseling students on improving patient research literacy and engagement in clinical research

Background: New cancer treatment and prevention strategies have led to an increase in clinical trials enrolling people with germline mutations linked to cancer risk. Yet, referral of patients remains low. In a FORCE survey, 14% of respondents at high risk for breast cancer were told by their healthcare providers about clinical research opportunities, while 75% expressed interest1. In a survey of genetic counselors, most had never referred breast cancer survivors (63%) or metastatic patients (69%) to clinical trials, and 55% listed research jargon/health literacy as barriers to referral2. We developed a training for genetic counseling students consisting of a presentation, activities and group discussions on factors that impede patients’ ability to find, understand, and enroll in hereditary cancer research, and ways that genetic counselors can address these barriers. We introduced tools to help people find research studies, including FORCE’s "Search and Enroll Tool" that provides plain-language descriptions of studies enrolling people with inherited mutations. Methods: We conducted 17 workshops for genetic counselor training programs, and trained 256 students. Almost half completed feedback surveys. Three training program directors participated in post-training interviews. Results: Students indicated that they plan to apply what they had learned in practice. They appreciated the plain-language features of FORCE's tool and how it prioritizes studies enrolling people with germline mutations, and they plan to use the tool to connect patients to research opportunities. Course directors agreed that the training was appropriate to integrate into their curricula. They valued the fact that the training helps students recognize the importance of sharing clinical research opportunities with patients, teaches students how to find this information and present it to patients in easy-to-understand terms, and emphasizes the importance of representativeness in research. Students and directors recommended retaining the content, flow and presentation approach, activities and discussions, and emphasis on the practical application of material presented. Suggestions included limiting the training to 90 minutes, providing more hands-on experience with finding and discussing studies with patients, and developing a version that students can complete on their own. Discussion: Students and faculty found the training to be informative, relevant, and engaging. Genetic counseling training programs could benefit from training on this critical topic that may not be offered elsewhere in their curricula. In addition to learning information and skills related to finding and communicating with patients about hereditary cancer research, students and faculty agreed that FORCE’s Search and Enroll Tool is useful for matching patients to relevant research opportunities. Citation Format: S. J. Friedman, R. H. Pugh Yi, M. Dean, P. L. Welcsh, K. N. Owens, J. D. Rogers, D. B. Rose, E. Kuhn. Results of a training workshop for genetic counseling students on improving patient research literacy and engagement in clinical research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS3-01-24.