The GenKI project (Genetische Beratung zwischen KI und persönlicher Entscheidung) [Genetic counselling between AI and personal decision] is investigating the extent to which explanatory videos can supplement genetic counselling or be used specifically to prepare for or accompany a consultation with a human geneticist in order to improve communication and increase the competent handling of genetic data. The explanatory videos on this website were created in this context.

We also address the question of whether doctors in human genetics consultations also benefit from their patients having watched explanatory videos before the consultation. We are therefore investigating whether this leads to a lower perceived workload for doctors during the consultation and higher satisfaction with the doctor-patient consultation. We are also surveying patient satisfaction with the doctor-patient interaction, as well as the role that the prior information obtained by patients plays in their satisfaction with the doctor-patient consultation.

The aim of the project is to answer these questions, through which we see a direct benefit for patient care, as well as in the design and evaluation of the explanatory videos, because video preparation leaves more time for individual and emotionally sensitive topics and interactive risk communication in the personal conversation.

The project has been funded by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) since 1 October 2020 and will run until the end of 2023, with scientific and medical staff from Heidelberg University Hospital and Hannover Medical School working closely together.

You will find future publications on the results of the project here.

What was the background to the GenKI project?

In accordance with the law on genetic testing of humans in Germany, genetic counselling by a doctor is offered to accompany every diagnostic genetic test. The complexity of this counselling is currently increasing significantly due to the introduction of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and a steady stream of new testing methods.

It is challenging for doctors to comprehensively discuss artificial intelligence methods, statistical implications and individual consequences with patients and explain them to them in a way they can understand within a short space of time.

Based on discussions with patients, doctors and patient representatives, we have therefore created explanatory videos that can be shown to patients before a human genetic counselling session. Among other things, they contain information on the course of a human genetics consultation, information on artificial intelligence methods for diagnostic support and on genetic counselling and diagnosis of a predisposition or the presence of certain genetic diseases.

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