The effect of media aids in genetic carrier screening education among patients with infertility

Objective: To evaluate the effect of educational videos on the utilization of preconception genetic carrier screening in patients with infertility. Design: Survey study. Subjects: New patients presenting for infertility consult with one of five providers (4 physicians and 1 nurse practitioner) from November 2021 through February 2022. Exposure: Patients were assigned to the web application EngagedMD video arm or in-person counseling arm for education on preconception genetic screening. Main Outcome Measures: The primary study outcome was completion of genetic carrier screening. The secondary outcomes were provider rating of patient comprehension and provider-rated time demand of counseling. Results: A total of 73 patients were enrolled: 42 in the video arm and 31 in the in-person counseling arm. The survey response rate was 100% for patients and providers. Patients assigned to the video counseling arm were significantly more likely to plan to proceed with carrier screening (78.6%) than those receiving only in-office counseling (41.9%). The odds ratio associating video arm with actual completion of screening was 5.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.84-13.96). Patients who completed EngagedMD videos were perceived by providers to have a noninferior understanding of the purpose of carrier screening compared with those who underwent standard counseling, assessed via "teach-back" method. Providers also rated that multimedia education use significantly decreased demand on appointment time. Conclusion: The use of patient education videos increases utilization of preconception genetic carrier screening and is an acceptable alternative to in-person provider counseling.