Advances in genetic technology and the landscape of genomics have exponentially increased the number and types of tests in prenatal genetics, increasing the complexity and amount of genetic information patients need to comprehend. There are concerns about care inequities in prenatal genetics based on shrinking genetic workforce, vulnerability with lower health literacy, lack of in depth-genetic knowledge and limited time of obstetric providers, and barriers to informed consent and patient confidence in decision-making in prenatal genetics. Digital platforms providing prenatal genetic counseling may be a promising solution to these inequities by creating a standardized tool for patient education and engagement that also allows for personalized decisional support.

The purpose of this scientific session is to educate providers and the commercial laboratories developing novel tests about barriers to informed consent and patient confidence in medical decision making and, potential solutions by utilizing digital technology to overcome these barriers.

The moderator, Dr. Russo, will outline the current challenges in patient education in prenatal genetics and how digital platforms uniquely offer solutions (10 minutes). Dr. Thorsen, will then summarize previous studies that have examined digital tools in prenatal genetics, focusing on diversity in the patient populations studied and the metrics used to assess digital tools in general and in prenatal genetics (20 minutes).

The second talk by Dr. Johnson will discuss their study examining a video game platform to educate pregnant persons about prenatal genetics (20 minutes). Video games present a potential method to achieve patient engagement and assist with patient decision-making. Approximately 59% of all Americans play video games and most play for at least three hours a week. Women age 18 or older represent a significant proportion of the game-playing population (44%). These researchers have leveraged video game technology to display complex information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate format to individuals from diverse educational backgrounds.

In the third talk, Dr. Ruth Farrell will explore the ability of the AI-Chatbot, working in conjunction with the obstetric healthcare team, to enhance pregnant persons’ genetic knowledge and decision making in prenatal genetics, enabling all patients to have access to evidence-based, patient-centered information (20 minutes). When pregnant persons are prepared to make informed decisions about prenatal genetic tests, they can direct their prenatal care in ways that are concordant with their beliefs and values.

The last part of this scientific session will have the panelist convene for questions and comments from the audience (20 minutes) and then end with summarization of the advantages and potential challenges of incorporating digital tools in prenatal genetics care to address barriers and care gaps.