HEALTH

University of Utah researchers develop chatbot to expand genetic testing care

Sep 30, 2024, 7:00 AM | Updated: 1:44 pm

Researchers at the U are creating a chatbot that could inform patients about genetic testing and if...

Researchers at the U are creating a chatbot that could inform patients about genetic testing and if they should get it done. (Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY — Chatbots might be used to assess the risk of cancer in patients. University of Utah researchers said these chatbots could help more people decide if they should have genetic testing.

Genetic testing is used to weigh a person’s risk of developing cancer. The National Cancer Institute says up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes.

A press release says that currently, those interested in genetic testing will go through a two-appointment process. First they will meet with a genetic counselor for a pre-test appointment. The second appointment is an analyzation of the testing results.

The chatbot would replace the first appointment and create more accessibility to genetic testing care. 

Related: Riding an e-bike can boost your health

Communications Professor Kimberly Kaphingst was the lead author of this research. The chatbot may help patients decide if they should meet with a genetic counselor and get the test done, she said.

“We were thinking of the chatbots as an alternative to the first appointment that people do before testing… [To] learn about testing and think about whether it’s the right decision for them,” Kaphingst said.

She says the chatbots will “provide people with information about cancer genetic testing,[and] what some of the limitations of the test are.” 

Kaphingst says they worked closely with genetic counselors in the process of developing the chatbots. She also says that patients are equally as likely to seek genetic testing after using the chatbot or speaking with a genetic counselor. 

The chatbot still needs work before it can be used in the doctors office, she said.

“We are definitely hoping to do more research… modernizing the chatbots.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on ...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Utah bill to expand breast cancer coverage put on hold

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on hold. Initial mammography screenings are fully covered by insurance companies due to federal guidelines. This Utah bill, HB314, would expand that coverage to include follow-up breast cancer exams like MRI and ultrasound screenings. The bill had […]

2 hours ago

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the U.S....

Michelle Lee

Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Henry with CVS to learn what we can do to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses.

4 days ago

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Simone Seikaly

Kaysville City tells residents why water smells like chlorine

Weber officials recently added water from groundwater wells, which, because of extra processing, created the chlorine smell.

6 days ago

wegovy, one of many weight loss drugs...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Popular weight loss drugs may play a factor in vision loss, review shows

Ingredients in popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro may play a role in vision complications, such as eye stroke.

7 days ago

The Weber County Animal Shelter reported it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs after a canine parvov...

Simone Seikaly

Parvovirus outbreak leads to euthanizations at Weber County Animal Services

The Weber County Animal Shelter said it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs that had been vaccinated but contracted parvovirus anyway.

9 days ago

This image shows a chicken coop and garden at the home of Sarah Penny in Knoxville, Tenn., in May 2...

Associated Press

Soaring egg prices are piquing interest in backyard chickens

Thinking about backyard chickens as egg prices soar? Think hard, especially in light of the bird flu outbreak.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

University of Utah researchers develop chatbot to expand genetic testing care