Web-based disclosure of genetic screening results through electronic patient health records (ePHRs) is both feasible and acceptable to cancer patients, according to a study published in Genetics in Medicine. ePHRs are being studied for their effectiveness in meeting new requirements for direct return of results to patients, as well as expanded meaningful use criteria, but haven’t been widely used for returning genetic test results. Per institutional standards, immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing was performed for mismatch repair (MMR, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 expression) in colorectal and endometrial cancer specimens for identification of Lynch Syndrome carrier status. For study participants, MMR results were returned via institutional ePHRs. An automated e-mail message alerted participants that the result was available with a reminder e-mail for those not viewing results within three days. Participants completed a distress measure by telephone within 36 hours of viewing the result. The researchers found that more than half of the approached patients (65 of 121) were ineligible for study participation due to lack of Internet access or use of the Internet or e-mail less than once per week. Nonwhite patients and those 65 years of age and older were significantly more likely to be ineligible. Of those eligible, 74 […]