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Marathe PN, Suckiel SA, Bonini KE, Kelly NR, Scarimbolo L, Insel BJ, Odgis JA, Sebastin M, Ramos MA, Di Biase M, Gallagher KM, Brown K, Rodriguez JE, Yelton N, Aguiñiga KL, Rodriguez MA, Maria E, Lopez J, Zinberg RE, Diaz GA, Greally JM, Abul-Husn NS, Bauman LJ, Gelb BD, Wasserstein MP, Kenny EE, Horowitz CR. Evaluating parental personal utility of pediatric genetic and genomic testing in a diverse, multilingual population. HGG ADVANCES 2024; 5:100321. [PMID: 38918948 PMCID: PMC11284555 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2024.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of the clinical utility of genetic and genomic testing (GT); however, factors influencing personal utility of GT, especially in diverse, multilingual populations, remain unclear. We explored these factors in a diverse cohort of parents/guardians (participants) whose children received clinical GT through the NYCKidSeq program. A total of 847 participants completed surveys at baseline, post-results disclosure, and 6 months (6m) post-results. The largest population groups were Hispanic/Latino(a) (48%), White/European American (24%), and Black/African American (16%). Personal utility was assessed using the Personal Utility (PrU) scale, adapted for pediatric populations and included on the surveys. Three PrU subscales were identified using factor analysis: practical, educational, and parental psychological utility. Overall personal utility summary score and the three subscales significantly decreased after receiving results and over time. Hispanic/Latino(a) participants identified greater overall personal utility than European American and African American participants at all time points (p < 0.001) as did participants whose children received positive/likely positive results compared with those with negative and uncertain results (post-results: p < 0.001 and p < 0.001; 6m post-results: p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Post-results, higher subscale scores were associated with lower education levels (practical, parental psychological: p ≤ 0.02) and higher levels of trust in the healthcare system (practical, parental psychological: p ≤ 0.04). These findings help to understand the perspectives of diverse parents/guardians, which is critical to tailoring pre- and post-test counseling across a variety of populations and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya N Marathe
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sabrina A Suckiel
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Katherine E Bonini
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nicole R Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Laura Scarimbolo
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Beverly J Insel
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jacqueline A Odgis
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Monisha Sebastin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Michelle A Ramos
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Health Equity Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Miranda Di Biase
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Katie M Gallagher
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Jessica E Rodriguez
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nicole Yelton
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Karla Lopez Aguiñiga
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michelle A Rodriguez
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Estefany Maria
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Jessenia Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Randi E Zinberg
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - George A Diaz
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - John M Greally
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Noura S Abul-Husn
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Laurie J Bauman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Bruce D Gelb
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa P Wasserstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetic Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Eimear E Kenny
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Carol R Horowitz
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Health Equity Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Nakou P, Bennett R. The risk of normative bias in reporting empirical research: lessons learned from prenatal screening studies about the prominence of acknowledged limitations. THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS 2023; 44:589-606. [PMID: 37930620 PMCID: PMC10643326 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-023-09639-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Empirical data can be an extremely powerful and influential tool in bioethical research. However, when researchers or policy makers look for answers to ethical questions by engaging with empirical research, there can be a tendency (conscious or unconscious) to shape, report, and use empirical research in a way that confirms their own preferred ethical conclusions. This skewing effect - what we call 'normative bias' - is often so subtle it falls short of clear misconduct and thus can be difficult to call out. However, we argue that this subtle influence of bias has the potential to significantly influence debate and policy around highly sensitive ethical issues and must be guarded against. In this paper we share the lessons we have learned through a journey of self-reflection around the effect that normative bias can have when reporting on and referring to empirical data relating to ethical issues. We use a variety of papers from our area of the ethics of routine prenatal screening to illustrate these subtle but often powerfully distorting effects of bias. Our aim in doing so is not to criticise the work of others, as we recognise our own normative bias, but to improve awareness of this issue, remind the need for reflexivity to guard against our own biases, and introduce a new criterion - the idea of a 'limitation prominence assessment' - that can work as a practical way to evaluate the seriousness of the limitations of an empirical study and thus, the risks of the study being misread or misinterpreted through superficial reading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Nakou
- Department of Law, Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Rebecca Bennett
- Department of Law, Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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Huang F, Zhou J, Xu Z, Qi Q, Sun H, Chen L, Wang L. Complete trisomy 9 detected by noninvasive prenatal testing and confirmed by amniocentesis. Drug Discov Ther 2023; 17:365-367. [PMID: 37821384 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2023.01051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Complete chromosome 9 trisomy (T9) is a rare and fatal chromosomal disorder. We performed non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in a patient with threatened abortion symptoms and found that the fetal was at risk for complete chromosome 9 trisomy. This shows that NIPT has certain accuracy in detecting trisomy of chromosome 9, which provide options for prenatal diagnosis of rare chromosomal abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feixiang Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheyun Xu
- Zhejiang Chinese medical university, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Qi
- Department of gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Sun
- Department of gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Ultrasonography Department, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Craig KP, Riggan KA, Rubeck S, Meredith SH, Allyse MA, Michie M. Never "totally prepared": Support groups on helping families prepare for a child with a genetic condition. J Community Genet 2023:10.1007/s12687-023-00646-y. [PMID: 37046173 PMCID: PMC10092915 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00646-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A rapid increase in the reach and breadth of prenatal genetic screening and testing has led to an expanding need for prenatal support of families receiving this genetic information. As part of a larger study investigating prenatal preparation for a child with a genetic condition, we interviewed representatives of patient advocacy groups (PAGs) who support parents post-diagnosis. Groups supporting families with Down syndrome were often local or regional, while other groups were often national or international in scope. Groups varied in their willingness or ability to support families prior to making a pregnancy continuation decision, and participants reflected on ways they addressed these needs with individual counseling and referrals, if needed. Participants described supporting parents with information about conditions and a range of lived experiences for families, while referring families to healthcare professionals for technical questions and additional medical needs. PAGs also prioritized connecting parents experiencing a new diagnosis with other families for peer support and community-building, both in person and on social media. Participants discussed limitations, such as a lack of racially-concordant support, ability to offer resources in languages other than English, and a lack of funding to meet the expressed needs of families post-diagnosis. Overall, participants emphasized that the parenting experience of each child is unique, irrespective of a genetic diagnosis, an experience for which parents can never be "totally prepared."
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlynn P Craig
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Kirsten A Riggan
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sabina Rubeck
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie H Meredith
- Lettercase National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources, University of Kentucky's Human Development Institute, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Megan A Allyse
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program & Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Marsha Michie
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Thomas SP, Keller MA, Ranson T, Willard RE. Patient perspectives on noninvasive prenatal testing among black women in the United States: a scoping review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:183. [PMID: 36927679 PMCID: PMC10018979 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05423-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in reproductive health technologies such as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) are changing the landscape of prenatal care and maternal health. NIPT, made clinically available in the United States (US) in 2011, is a screening test that utilizes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to detect for aneuploidies and genetic characteristics in fetal DNA. In September 2020, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended NIPT for all pregnant patients regardless of age or risk factors. We examined peer-reviewed, empirical studies published from January 2011 to February 2022, assessing NIPT studies with patient perspectives in the US and what is known about how empirical studies include Black women. Our scoping review draws from PubMed (with advanced MeSH search options) and Scopus databases for advanced scoping review, with 33 articles meeting our criteria. Empirical studies on NIPT show patient perceptions range across five themes: 1) accuracy / safety, 2) return of results, 3) patient knowledge, 4) informed consent, and 5) perceptions among minoritized groups (with perceptions of race and gender as a social demographic intersection). Additionally, among the 15 studies that included that Black woman in their study sample, none measured the perceptions of Black women with genetic conditions. Bridging this knowledge gap is critical because NIPT is becoming increasingly accessible across the nation and is being developed to screen for additional genetic conditions, such as sickle cell disease. Ultimately, NIPT researchers need to go to greater lengths to examine the patient perspectives of Black women with and without genetic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shameka P Thomas
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA.,National Institutes of Health-National Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | - Madison A Keller
- National Institutes of Health-National Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, USA.,Louisiana State University-School of Medicine, Baton Rouge, USA
| | - Tiara Ranson
- National Institutes of Health-National Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, USA.,University of Washington-Seattle, Seattle, USA
| | - Rachele E Willard
- National Institutes of Health-National Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, USA.
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Grafft N, Dwyer AA, Pineros-Leano M. Latinx individuals' knowledge of, preferences for, and experiences with prenatal genetic testing: a scoping review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:134. [PMID: 35668466 PMCID: PMC9169270 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01438-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends prenatal genetic testing (PGT) be offered to all pregnant persons regardless of known risk factors. However, significant racial/ethnic differences exist regarding acceptance of PGT contributing to disparities. Latinas (Latinx), one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, have low PGT acceptance rates. This systematic scoping review aimed to provide a landscape of existing literature on Latinx individuals’ knowledge of, preferences for, and experiences with prenatal and preconception genetic testing. Synthesizing the current state of the science may inform development of culturally tailored interventions to support high-quality PGT decisions (e.g., informed, aligned with a pregnant persons’ values). Methods We conducted a structured, systematic literature search of published articles and gray literature in electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Eric, Social Services Abstracts, and PsycArticles). Articles in English published prior to March 2021 were retrieved relating to genetics, pregnancy, and Latina women. Articles underwent title, abstract and full-text review by independent investigators to assess inclusion and exclusion criteria. Risk of bias was evaluated by two investigators. Iterative thematic analysis was employed to group study findings into themes to identify possible targets for interventions. Results The search generated 5511 unique articles. After title screening, 335 underwent abstract review and subsequently 61 full-text review. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria and 7 additional studies were included after reviewing reference lists. Three overarching themes emerged: genetic knowledge/literacy (26/35, 74%), provider (mis)communication/patient satisfaction (21/35, 60%), and cross-cultural beliefs (12/35, 34%). Studies indicate discordant patient-provider language (n = 5), miscommunication (n = 4), and lack of concordant decision-making (n = 4) pose barriers to high-quality PGT decisions. Immigration status (n = 1) and religious beliefs (n = 5) are additional factors influencing PGT decisions. Conclusions Identified studies suggest that cultural and linguistic factors affect Latinx PGT decision-making. Latinx individual’s comprehension and recall of PGT information is enhanced by culturally and linguistically concordant providers—suggesting that culturally-informed interventions may enhance PGT acceptability and support high-quality decisions. Future directions to surmount PGT disparities may include community health workers and cultural brokers to empower Latinx people to make informed decisions aligned with their values and preferences. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-022-01438-2. Significant racial, ethnic, and language disparities exist in prenatal genetic testing (PGT). Latina (Latinx) people, one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, have low acceptance rates of PGT. This scoping review provides a systematic search of the literature to better understand Latinx individuals’ knowledge of, preferences for, and experiences with PGT. Eight electronic data bases were systematically searched and identified articles underwent title, abstract, full text, and reference review. Iterative thematic analysis was conducted to group article findings into themes. Thirty-five studies met inclusion criteria and three overarching themes were identified: genetic knowledge/literacy, provider (mis)communication/patient satisfaction, and cross-cultural beliefs. Findings indicate that discordant patient-provider decision making and language and patient provider miscommunication pose barriers to high-quality PGT decisions. Latinx individuals’ understanding and recall of PGT information is improved when delivered in a culturally and linguistically concordant manner. This suggests culturally-informed interventions, including the use of community health workers or cultural brokers, may enhance PGT acceptability and support high quality pregnancy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Grafft
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 20467, USA.
| | - Andrew A Dwyer
- William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Williams AC, Martinez LI, Garrison A, Frost CJ, Gren LH. Factors leading to satisfaction with counseling for Labor after Cesarean among Latina women in the United States. Birth 2022; 49:71-79. [PMID: 34263970 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cesarean birth, especially repeat cesarean, is associated with significantly higher morbidity than vaginal birth. Appropriately counseling women who are candidates for labor after cesarean (LAC) has the potential to confer significant health benefits for women. Little guidance exists about optimal counseling techniques, especially for Latina women. The aim of this study was to evaluate satisfaction among Latinas about how LAC counseling is performed, specifically as it relates to shared decision making. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study of pregnant women at several clinics in a Federally Qualified Health Center system in Utah. We interviewed eleven Latina women about satisfaction with recent LAC counseling with a specific aim of obtaining rich, personal narratives rather than reaching data saturation. A codebook representing the most common themes was developed. RESULTS Three major themes emerged related to LAC counseling including influences on satisfaction, influences on the birth decision process, and preferences surrounding method and timing of counseling. Women experienced greater satisfaction from providers who used jargon-free communication, were perceived as trustworthy, cared about her experiences, and empowered her to make an informed decision. Women's decisions were influenced by prior birth experiences, desire for a safe delivery and easy recovery, and future family planning. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the aspects of LAC counseling that are most meaningful for Latina women can promote effective communication between patient and provider and improve patient satisfaction. Globally, our findings highlight the importance of evaluating the experiences and preferences of minority groups; majority populations cannot be assumed to speak for minority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lisa H Gren
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Michie M. Is preparation a good reason for prenatal genetic testing? Ethical and critical questions. Birth Defects Res 2021; 112:332-338. [PMID: 32115901 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
As prenatal genetic testing technologies have become both easier and more accessible, women are increasingly choosing prenatal genetic testing for a reason that is largely unexamined in the clinical literature: preparation. This reasoning, offered not only from pregnant women but frequently from testing laboratories and health care providers, reflects long-held assumptions that prenatal genetic results-properly delivered and followed with information, clinical surveillance, and/or social supports-prepare families for a child with a genetic condition, and even improve health and social outcomes for children and families. But these assumptions remain unexamined, since there are no clear definitions or recommendations for prenatal preparation. Preparation may refer to several overlapping ways in which prenatal information may change parents' approach to the rest of the pregnancy, including: (a) clinical activities, including surveillance, interventions, and delivery planning; (b) social and informational support, such as interacting with patient support groups and gathering information about quality of life; and (c) psychological "coping" or adjustments to the reality of raising a child with a genetic condition. These meanings and activities intersect and influence one another and form a foundation for postnatal family adaptation, but they are rarely parsed out in studies examining the impact of prenatal diagnosis. Based on previous work delineating conceptual models as middle terms between theory and reality, we are building a conceptual model that incorporates an empirical understanding of meanings and actions encompassed by prenatal preparation. Comparing diverse families' expectations with the resources they are offered can identify (mis)matches between priorities and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha Michie
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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Young JL, Mak J, Stanley T, Bass M, Cho MK, Tabor HK. Genetic counseling and testing for Asian Americans: a systematic review. Genet Med 2021; 23:1424-1437. [PMID: 33972720 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Asian Americans have been understudied in the literature on genetic and genomic services. The current study systematically identified, evaluated, and summarized findings from relevant qualitative and quantitative studies on genetic health care for Asian Americans. METHODS A search of five databases (1990 to 2018) returned 8,522 unique records. After removing duplicates, abstract/title screening, and full text review, 47 studies met inclusion criteria. Data from quantitative studies were converted into "qualitized data" and pooled together with thematic data from qualitative studies to produce a set of integrated findings. RESULTS Synthesis of results revealed that (1) Asian Americans are under-referred but have high uptake for genetic services, (2) linguistic/communication challenges were common and Asian Americans expected more directive genetic counseling, and (3) Asian Americans' family members were involved in testing decisions, but communication of results and risk information to family members was lower than other racial groups. CONCLUSION This study identified multiple barriers to genetic counseling, testing, and care for Asian Americans, as well as gaps in the research literature. By focusing on these barriers and filling these gaps, clinical genetic approaches can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse patient groups, particularly those of Asian descent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Young
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University, CA, USA.
| | - Julie Mak
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Talia Stanley
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Bass
- Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Mildred K Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Holly K Tabor
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, CA, USA
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Page RL, Murphey C, Aras Y, Chen LS, Loftin R. Pregnant Hispanic women's views and knowledge of prenatal genetic testing. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:838-848. [PMID: 33496987 PMCID: PMC8248231 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant Hispanic women are underserved with their needs for genetic counseling, despite birth defects remaining the leading cause of infant death in the United States. We present the qualitative findings of a study to understand knowledge and perceptions of prenatal testing in a sample of hard‐to‐reach underrepresented Hispanic pregnant women in South Texas. The sample for this study was 10 Hispanic pregnant women who were recruited from a high‐risk prenatal clinic in South Texas in 2019. The semi‐structured interview questions were created based on the researchers' clinical experiences with this population and were designed to examine knowledge and perceptions of participants toward prenatal testing. Analysis of the qualitative data yielded several themes related to prenatal testing: (a) knowledge, (b) confusion, (c) partner's and support persons' opinions, (d) information sharing from providers, (e) psychological benefits, (f) preparation for baby, (g) obstacles, (h) religious influence, and (i) educational tools to assist with understanding. Women's understanding and knowledge of prenatal testing was limited, specifically regarding its purpose, how it works, the benefits, and why it was recommended by their provider. Lack of clarity about why they should take the test and its risks for them and their babies was perceived as something that could impede their acceptance of prenatal testing. All participants agreed that healthcare providers should share more information about prenatal testing in a way that uses ‘everyday language' so that they can understand it better. All respondents mentioned that prenatal testing provides information about their baby's health conditions, alleviates their stress and concerns, and psychologically prepares them and their family for what is to come. Identifying ways to increase culturally appropriate education delivered by genetic counselors such as through the adoption of telemedicine and mobile technology can help fill the gap for this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L Page
- Texas A&M University College of Nursing, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Christina Murphey
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Yahyahan Aras
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - Lei-Shih Chen
- Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ryan Loftin
- Driscoll Health System, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
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Glanton E, Yarrington CD, Calderwood L, Torrey Sosa L, Connors PD. The importance of personalismo: Navigating obstacles in recruitment strategies for Spanish speakers in marginalized communities. J Genet Couns 2020; 29:391-398. [PMID: 32144873 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recruitment obstacles with Spanish-speaking individuals and members of marginalized communities have been documented in the literature in narrative form, but quantitative data on effective strategies are limited. Within our research protocol assessing the impact of a storytelling intervention on knowledge and uptake of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) aneuploidy screening, three different recruitment strategies were trialed and enrollment rates were compared. Throughout the study, field notes were collected from observations in recruitment efforts. We demonstrate the effectiveness of language-concordant, personal interactions, and culturally tailored materials for recruitment of Spanish-speaking participants into genomic research studies. We also offer commentary on the experience of the researchers that provides insights to inform recruitment methods for marginalized communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Glanton
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina D Yarrington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laurel Calderwood
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lillian Torrey Sosa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip D Connors
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Luksic D, Sukhu R, Koval C, Cho MT, Espinal A, Rufino K, Loarte TV, Chung WK, Wynn J. A qualitative study of Latinx parents' experiences of clinical exome sequencing. J Genet Couns 2020; 29:574-586. [PMID: 32298033 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Clinical exome sequencing (CES) is an established method for genetic diagnosis and is used widely in clinical practice. Studies of the parental experience of CES, which inform guidelines for best practices for genetic counseling, have been predominately comprised of White, non-Latinx participants. The aim of this study was to explore the parental experiences of CES in a Latinx community and to understand how their experiences are influenced by culture and language. We conducted semi-structured interviews in English and Spanish with 38 Latinx parents of children who had CES. Some of the themes that emerged were common to those previously identified, including a sense of obligation to pursue testing and a mixed emotional response to their child's results. Parents who had lower education level and/or received care from a provider who did not share their language had more confusion about their child's CES results and greater dissatisfaction with care compared with parents who had higher education level and/or received care from a provider who spoke their language. We also found evidence of hampered shared decision making and/or disempowered patient decision making regarding CES testing. Our data suggest unique needs for Latinx families having CES, particularly those who are non-English speaking when an interpreter is used. Our data support the value in continuing to take steps to improve culturally competent care by improving interpretation services and recruiting and training a genetic workforce that is ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Luksic
- Graduate School of Genetic Counseling, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, USA
| | - Radha Sukhu
- Graduate School of Genetic Counseling, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, USA
| | - Carrie Koval
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan T Cho
- Graduate School of Genetic Counseling, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, USA
| | - Aileen Espinal
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katiana Rufino
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tania Vasquez Loarte
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia Wynn
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Fisher CF, Birkeland LE, Reiser CA, Zhao Q, Palmer CGS, Zikmund-Fisher BJ, Petty EM. Alternative option labeling impacts decision-making in noninvasive prenatal screening. J Genet Couns 2019; 29:910-918. [PMID: 31793699 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal genetic screening should be an informed, autonomous patient choice. Extrinsic factors which influence patient decision-making threaten the ethical basis of prenatal genetic screening. Prior research in the area of medical decision-making has identified that labeling may have unanticipated effects on patient perceptions and decision-making processes. This Internet-administered study explored the impact of option labeling on the noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) selections of US adults. A total of 1,062 participants were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and randomly assigned to one of three possible label sets reflecting provider-derived and industry-derived option labels used in prenatal screening. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed option labeling had a statistically significant impact on the NIPS selections of study participants (p = .0288). Outcomes of the Satisfaction with Decision Scale (SWD) indicated option labels did not play a role in participant satisfaction with screening selection. The results of this study indicate a need for further evaluation of the impact NIPS option labeling has on patient screening decisions in real-world clinical interactions. Clinical providers and testing laboratories offering NIPS should give careful consideration to the option labels used with prenatal screening so as to minimize influence on patient screening selection and decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille F Fisher
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.,Section of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Dell Children's Medical Group, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Laura E Birkeland
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.,Center for Perinatal Care, UnityPoint Health Meriter Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Catherine A Reiser
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christina G S Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian J Zikmund-Fisher
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Petty
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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14
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Haidar H, Vanstone M, Laberge AM, Bibeau G, Ghulmiyyah L, Ravitsky V. Cross-cultural perspectives on decision making regarding noninvasive prenatal testing: A comparative study of Lebanon and Quebec. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2019; 9:99-111. [PMID: 29847254 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2018.1469551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), based on the detection of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood, has transformed the landscape of prenatal care by offering clinical benefits (noninvasive, high specificity and sensitivity, early detection of abnormalities) compared to existing prenatal screening tests. NIPT has expanded rapidly and is currently commercially available in most of the world. As NIPT spreads globally, culturally sensitive and ethically sound implementation will require policies that take into consideration the social and cultural context of prenatal testing decisions. In a Western context, the main ethical argument for providing access and public funding of prenatal tests is the promotion of reproductive autonomy (also referred to as "procreative liberty" and "reproductive freedom"), by enabling pregnant women and couples to access information about the fetus in order to choose a certain course of action for pregnancy management (continuation of pregnancy and preparation for birth or termination). So how is the framework of reproductive autonomy operationalized in non-Western cultural contexts? We used Quebec, Canada, and Beirut, Lebanon, for case studies to explore what ethical considerations related to reproductive autonomy should guide the implementation of the test in various cultural contexts. To answer this question, we conducted a qualitative study to (1) explore the perceptions, values, and preferences of pregnant women and their partners about NIPT and (2) examine how these values and perceptions influence reproductive autonomy and decision making in relation to NIPT in these two different cultural settings, Lebanon and Quebec. Our findings may guide health care professionals in providing counseling and in helping women and their partners make better informed prenatal testing decisions. Further, at a policy level, such understanding might inform the development of local guidelines and policies that are appropriate to each context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazar Haidar
- a Bioethics Program, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine , School of Public Health, University of Montreal
| | | | - Anne-Marie Laberge
- c Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, and Research Center , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine.,d Department of Pediatrics and Department of Preventive and Social Medicine , Université de Montréal
| | - Gilles Bibeau
- e Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences , Université de Montréal
| | - Labib Ghulmiyyah
- f Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut
| | - Vardit Ravitsky
- g Bioethics Program, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine , School of Public Health, Université de Montréal
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15
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Farrell RM, Agatisa PK, Michie MM, Greene A, Ford PJ. The personal utility of cfDNA screening: Pregnant patients' experiences with cfDNA screening and views on expanded cfDNA panels. J Genet Couns 2019; 29:88-96. [PMID: 31680382 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal cell-free DNA screening (cfDNA) provides more genetic risk information about the fetus than has ever been possible. At the same time, the rapid expansion of new cfDNA panels raises important questions about how to structure patient-centered discussions that best support patients' decision-making about its use. To address this question, we conducted interviews with pregnant patients to identify decision-making needs and preferences with respect to cfDNA in patient-centered healthcare discussions, given its evolving capability to identify a range of fetal variants. Personal utility was a core concept guiding decision-making. Participants spoke of how their deeply personal values and beliefs about maternal responsibility, actionability, and tolerance of uncertainty framed their view of the personal utility of cfDNA screening. While discussing their notions of personal utility with their healthcare provider, participants also had concerns about potential ramifications for the provider-patient relationship and shared decision-making when disclosing values and preferences regarding disability, quality of life, and termination-particularly as it becomes possible to identify variants with different disease-associated severity and outcomes. The complexities associated with the introduction of genomics in prenatal care present unique challenges to structuring effective shared decision-making discussions between patients and their healthcare providers. While efforts are underway to determine how to best educate patients about the medical aspects of cfDNA, it is equally important to develop approaches in healthcare communication that enable patients to make informed, values-based decisions about the use of cfDNA and its impact on their pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M Farrell
- OB/GYN and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Center for Bioethics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Marsha M Michie
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Amy Greene
- Center for Spiritual Care, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Paul J Ford
- Center for Bioethics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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16
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Vanstone M, Cernat A, Majid U, Trivedi F, De Freitas C. Perspectives of Pregnant People and Clinicians on Noninvasive Prenatal Testing: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-synthesis. ONTARIO HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT SERIES 2019; 19:1-38. [PMID: 30838086 PMCID: PMC6398533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Pregnant people have a risk of carrying a fetus affected by a chromosomal anomaly. Prenatal screening is offered to pregnant people to assess their risk. In recent years, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been introduced clinically, which uses the presence of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal blood to quantify the risk of a chromosomal anomaly. At present, NIPT is publicly funded for pregnancies at high risk of a chromosomal anomaly, and available to pregnant people at average risk if they choose to pay out of pocket. Methods We performed a systematic review of primary, empirical qualitative research that describes the experiences and perspectives of pregnant people, their families, clinicians, and others with lived experience relevant to NIPT. We were interested in the beliefs, experiences, preferences, and perspectives of these groups. We analyzed the evidence available in 36 qualitative and mixed-methods studies using the integrative technique of qualitative meta-synthesis. Results Most people (pregnant people, clinicians, and others with relevant lived experience) said that NIPT offered important information to pregnant people and their partners. Most people were very enthusiastic about widening access to NIPT because it can provide information about chromosomal anomalies quite early in pregnancy, with relatively high accuracy, and without risk of procedure-related pregnancy loss. However, many groups cautioned that widening access to NIPT may result in routinization of this test, causing potential harm to pregnant people, their families, the health care system, people living with disabilities, and society as a whole. Widened logistical, financial, emotional, and informational access may be perceived as a benefit, but it can also confer harm on various groups. Many of these challenges echo historical critiques of other forms of prenatal testing, with some issues mitigated or exacerbated by the particular features of NIPT. Conclusions Noninvasive prenatal testing offers significant benefit for pregnant people but may also be associated with potential harms related to informed decision-making, inequitable use, social pressure to test, and reduced support for people with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Vanstone
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
- Centre for Health Economic and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Alexandra Cernat
- Honours Life Science BSc Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Umair Majid
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Forum Trivedi
- Honours Life Science BSc Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Chanté De Freitas
- Health Science Education Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
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17
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Cernat A, De Freitas C, Majid U, Trivedi F, Higgins C, Vanstone M. Facilitating informed choice about non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis of women's experiences. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:27. [PMID: 30642270 PMCID: PMC6332899 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2168-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can be used to accurately detect fetal chromosomal anomalies early in pregnancy by assessing cell-free fetal DNA present in maternal blood. The rapid diffusion of NIPT, as well as the ease and simplicity of the test raises concerns around informed decision-making and the potential for routinization. Introducing NIPT in a way that facilitates informed and autonomous decisions is imperative to the ethical application of this technology. We approach this imperative by systematically reviewing and synthesizing primary qualitative research on women's experiences with and preferences for informed decision-making around NIPT. METHODS We searched multiple bibliographic databases including Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and ISI Web of Science Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Our review was guided by integrative qualitative meta-synthesis, and we used a staged coding process similar to that of grounded theory to conduct our analysis. RESULTS Thirty empirical primary qualitative research studies were eligible for inclusion. Women preferred to learn about NIPT from their clinicians, but they expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of information provided during counselling and often sought information from a variety of other sources. Women generally had a good understanding of test characteristics, and the factors of accuracy, physical risk, and test timing were the critical information elements that they used to make informed decisions around NIPT. Women often described NIPT as easy or just another blood test, highlighting threats to informed decision-making such as routinization or a pressure to test. CONCLUSIONS Women's unique circumstances modulate the information that they value and require most in the context of making an informed decision. Widened availability of trustworthy information about NIPT as well as careful attention to the facilitation of counselling may help facilitate informed decision-making. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018086261 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cernat
- Honours Life Sciences BSc Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Chante De Freitas
- Health Sciences Education Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Umair Majid
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Forum Trivedi
- Honours Life Sciences BSc Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | | | - Meredith Vanstone
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, DBHSC 5003E, 100 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6 Canada
- Centre for Health Economic and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
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18
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Vanstone M, Cernat A, Nisker J, Schwartz L. Women's perspectives on the ethical implications of non-invasive prenatal testing: a qualitative analysis to inform health policy decisions. BMC Med Ethics 2018; 19:27. [PMID: 29661182 PMCID: PMC5902938 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-018-0267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a technology which provides information about fetal genetic characteristics (including sex) very early in pregnancy by examining fetal DNA obtained from a sample of maternal blood. NIPT is a morally complex technology that has advanced quickly to market with a strong push from industry developers, leaving many areas of uncertainty still to be resolved, and creating a strong need for health policy that reflects women’s social and ethical values. We approach the need for ethical policy-making by studying the use of NIPT and emerging policy in the province of Ontario, Canada. Methods Using an adapted version of constructivist grounded theory, we conducted interviews with 38 women who have had personal experiences with NIPT. We used an iterative process of data collection and analysis and a staged coding strategy to conduct a descriptive analysis of ethics issues identified implicitly and explicitly by women who have been affected by this technology. Results The findings of this paper focus on current ethical issues for women seeking NIPT, including place in the prenatal pathway, health care provider counselling about the test, industry influence on the diffusion of NIPT, consequences of availability of test results. Other issues gain relevance in the context of future policy decisions regarding NIPT, including funding of NIPT and principles that may govern the expansion of the scope of NIPT. These findings are not an exhaustive list of all the potential ethical issues related to NIPT, but rather a representation of the issues which concern women who have personal experience with this test. Conclusions Women who have had personal experience with NIPT have concerns and priorities which sometimes contrast dramatically with the theoretical ethics literature. These findings suggest the importance of engaging patients in ethical deliberation about morally complex technologies, and point to the need for more deliberative patient engagement work in this area. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12910-018-0267-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Vanstone
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, DBHSC 5003E, 100 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada. .,Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Alexandra Cernat
- Life Sciences Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff Nisker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Schwartz
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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19
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Cloutier M, Gallagher L, Goldsmith C, Akiki S, Barrowman N, Morrison S. Group genetic counseling: An alternate service delivery model in a high risk prenatal screening population. Prenat Diagn 2017; 37:1112-1119. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.5149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Cloutier
- Prenatal Genetics Clinic, Regional Genetics Program; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario; Ottawa ON Canada
| | | | - Claire Goldsmith
- Prenatal Genetics Clinic, Regional Genetics Program; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario; Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Salwa Akiki
- Clinical Research Unit; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario; Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Nick Barrowman
- Clinical Research Unit; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario; Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Shawna Morrison
- Prenatal Genetics Clinic, Regional Genetics Program; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario; Ottawa ON Canada
- GEC-KO (Genetics Education Canada-Knowledge Organization); Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario; Ottawa ON Canada
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20
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Filoche SK, Lawton B, Beard A, Stone P. Views of the obstetric profession on non-invasive prenatal testing in Aotearoa New Zealand: A national survey. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 57:617-623. [PMID: 28681452 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been available in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) for approximately four years. It is likely to be introduced into the publicly funded prenatal screening service. AIM To explore obstetrician use and views of NIPT, with consideration to its implementation into screening services for Down syndrome and other conditions. METHODS An anonymous online survey combining Likert scales and free text was designed to assess current practice, knowledge, ethical considerations, counselling and views toward public funding of NIPT. The survey was distributed through the New Zealand members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (n = 418) and responses collected over a two-month period in 2016. RESULTS There were 134/418 (32.1%) respondents. Current knowledge influenced decisions to offer NIPT (70.3%, 85/121). Confidence in offering NIPT was: 'not at all' (0.8%, 1/128); 'a little' (7.03%, 9/128), 'somewhat' (16.4%, 21/128), 'quite' (40.6%, 52/128) and 'very' (35.2%, 45/128). A total of 83.5% (101/121) stated NIPT should be publicly funded and NIPT capability developed within NZ (89.1%, 106/119). More information and support on the provision of NIPT was called for. CONCLUSION There was strong support for public funding of NIPT, and for NIPT capability to be developed in NZ. The call for more training, education and support needs to be actioned in order to facilitate the introduction of NIPT into screening services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Filoche
- Women's Health Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Beverley Lawton
- Women's Health Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Angela Beard
- Christchurch Obstetric Associates, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Peter Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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