Emily Rettner

CAPSTONE

Capstone Project Committee: Adam Buchanan, MS, CGC, Nancy Callanan, MS, CGC, Sat Gupta, PhD (Statistical Consultant), Tracey Leedom, MS, CGC

Purpose: Assess patients’ perceptions of cancer genetic counseling (CGC) summary letters with respect to: readability, tailoring, letter style and length, perception of value and content, recollection of the genetic counseling session, and understanding of cancer genetics.

Methods: Cross-sectional, self-administered survey designed to assess patients’ perceptions of the usefulness of CGC summary letters. Participants were CGC patients seen in 2007 at the Duke Hereditary Cancer Clinic who received a patient summary letter. Introductory letters and a questionnaire were mailed to participants; and three follow up phone calls were made to increase the response rate. Data collection occurred from February-March 2008. Frequencies of responses to survey items were determined using SPSS version 16.0.

Results: Participants found summary letters to be easy to read, clearly written, of appropriate style and length, and useful in recalling cancer information and in making important decisions about cancer risk management. Letters were used to communicate cancer information and risks to relatives, and do not cause anxiety. We found that summary letters were not used to communicate with physicians.

Conclusions: Cancer genetic counselors at the Duke Hereditary Cancer Clinic should continue to write letters of summary in the current style and format. With respect to contact with physicians, Duke caner genetic counselors should consider sending letters to such physicians and encouraging patients to be more proactive about presenting their letter to their physicians.

Since Graduation

Following graduation in 2008, Emily began working at Children’s Hospital Oakland, with a focus in general genetics. Alongside her two colleagues, the department secretary and a geneticist, Emily provided care and case management for patients in a variety of clinics. In April 2016, Emily made the move 5 minutes down the street, and accepted a position at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. The position allowed her the opportunity to broaden specialties, join committees, and work alongside a large and diverse group of genetic counselors and geneticists. Emily now provides counseling for general genetic, prenatal, cancer, and adult-onset indications. Early in her career, Emily began supervising genetic counseling students from local programs, and continues to do so today.

When she isn’t working, Emily enjoys running, hiking, and reading. She lives in Alameda, California with her husband and two cats.