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Muller SHA, van Thiel GJMW, Mostert M, van Delden JJM. Dynamic consent, communication and return of results in large-scale health data reuse: Survey of public preferences. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231190997. [PMID: 37599899 PMCID: PMC10434987 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231190997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic consent forms a comprehensive, tailored approach for interacting with research participants. We conducted a survey study to inquire how research participants evaluate the elements of consent, information provision, communication and return of results within dynamic consent in a hypothetical health data reuse scenario. We distributed a digital questionnaire among a purposive sample of patient panel members. Data were analysed using descriptive and nonparametric inferential statistics. Respondents favoured the potential to manage changing consent preferences over time. There was much agreement between people favouring closer and more specific control over data reuse approval and those in favour of broader approval, facilitated by an opt-out system or an independent data reuse committee. People want to receive more information about reuse, outcomes and return of results. Respondents supported an interactive model of research participation, welcoming regular, diverse and interactive forms of communication, like a digital communication platform. Approval for reuse and providing meaningful information, including meaningful return of results, are intricately related to facilitating better communication. Respondents favoured return of actionable research results. These findings emphasize the potential of dynamic consent for enabling participants to maintain control over how their data are being used for which purposes by whom. Allowing different options to shape a dynamic consent interface in health data reuse in a personalized manner is pivotal to accommodate plurality in a flexible though robust manner. Interaction via dynamic consent enables participants to tailor the elements of participation they deem relevant to their own preferences, engaging diverse perspectives, interests and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam HA Muller
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ghislaine JMW van Thiel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Menno Mostert
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes JM van Delden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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2
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Kilkku N, Halkoaho A. Informed consent, genomic research and mental health: A integrative review. Nurs Ethics 2022; 29:973-987. [PMID: 35119339 PMCID: PMC9289972 DOI: 10.1177/09697330211066573] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on genomics has increased while the biobank activities are becoming more common in different countries. In the mental health field, the questions concerning the potential participants' vulnerability as well as capacity to give the informed consent can cause reluctancy in recruiting persons with mental health problems, although the knowledge and understanding of mental health problems has remarkable changed, and practice is guided with inclusive approaches, such as recovery approach. AIM The aim of this study was to describe the current knowledge of informed consent practices in the context of genomic research on mental health from the nurses' viewpoint. METHODS An integrative review was conducted with search from seven international databases. Data consist 14 publications which were analyzed with thematic analysis. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Ethical requirements were respected in every phase of the research process. FINDINGS Most of the papers were published in USA and between 2000-2010. Eight reports were categorized as discussion papers, four qualitative studies and one quantitative study. The thematic analysis provided information on five themes: complexity with the capacity to consent, mixed emotions towards participation, factors influencing the decision to participate, nurses' informed consent process competence and variations between consent procedures. DISCUSSION In the informed consent practices, there are various aspects which may affect both the willingness to participate in the study and the informed consent process itself. Implications for practice, education, research, and policies are discussed. CONCLUSION There is a need for more updated international research on the topic in the context of different international and national guidelines, legislation, and directives. This study provided a viewpoint to the more collaborative research activities with people with lived experiences also in this field of research following the ideas of recovery approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kilkku
- School of Social Services and Health Care, 20615Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Arja Halkoaho
- School of Health, 52917Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland Corresponding author
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3
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Vears DF, Minion JT, Roberts SJ, Cummings J, Machirori M, Murtagh MJ. Views on genomic research result delivery methods and informed consent: a review. Per Med 2021; 18:295-310. [PMID: 33822658 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2020-0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
There has been little discussion of the way genomic research results should be returned and how to obtain informed consent for this. We systematically searched the empirical literature, identifying 63 articles exploring stakeholder perspectives on processes for obtaining informed consent about return of results and/or result delivery. Participants, patients and members of the public generally felt they should choose which results are returned to them and how, ranging from direct (face-to-face, telephone) to indirect (letters, emails, web-based delivery) communication. Professionals identified inadequacies in result delivery processes in the research context. Our findings have important implications for ensuring participants are supported in deciding which results they wish to receive or, if no choice is offered, preparing them for potential research outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danya F Vears
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Carlton 3052, Australia.,Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville 3052, Australia.,Center for Biomedical Ethics & Law, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Leuven Institute for Human Genetics & Society, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Joel T Minion
- Policy, Ethics & Life Sciences (PEALS) Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Stephanie J Roberts
- Policy, Ethics & Life Sciences (PEALS) Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
| | - James Cummings
- School of Art, Media & American Studies, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Mavis Machirori
- School of Social & Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Madeleine J Murtagh
- Policy, Ethics & Life Sciences (PEALS) Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK.,School of Social & Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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4
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McKeown A, Mourby M, Harrison P, Walker S, Sheehan M, Singh I. Ethical Issues in Consent for the Reuse of Data in Health Data Platforms. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2021; 27:9. [PMID: 33538942 PMCID: PMC7862505 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-021-00282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Data platforms represent a new paradigm for carrying out health research. In the platform model, datasets are pooled for remote access and analysis, so novel insights for developing better stratified and/or personalised medicine approaches can be derived from their integration. If the integration of diverse datasets enables development of more accurate risk indicators, prognostic factors, or better treatments and interventions, this obviates the need for the sharing and reuse of data; and a platform-based approach is an appropriate model for facilitating this. Platform-based approaches thus require new thinking about consent. Here we defend an approach to meeting this challenge within the data platform model, grounded in: the notion of 'reasonable expectations' for the reuse of data; Waldron's account of 'integrity' as a heuristic for managing disagreement about the ethical permissibility of the approach; and the element of the social contract that emphasises the importance of public engagement in embedding new norms of research consistent with changing technological realities. While a social contract approach may sound appealing, however, it is incoherent in the context at hand. We defend a way forward guided by that part of the social contract which requires public approval for the proposal and argue that we have moral reasons to endorse a wider presumption of data reuse. However, we show that the relationship in question is not recognisably contractual and that the social contract approach is therefore misleading in this context. We conclude stating four requirements on which the legitimacy of our proposal rests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex McKeown
- Department of Psychiatry, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
| | - Miranda Mourby
- Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Harrison
- Department of Psyhiatry, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sophie Walker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Sheehan
- Ethox, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ilina Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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5
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Blazek AD, Kinnamon DD, Jordan E, Ni H, Hershberger RE. Attitudes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients and Investigators Toward Genomic Study Enrollment, Consent Process, and Return of Genetic Results. Clin Transl Sci 2020; 14:550-557. [PMID: 33108689 PMCID: PMC7993282 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine genetics study design requires large, diverse cohorts and thoughtful use of electronic technologies. Involving patients in research design may increase enrollment and engagement, thereby enabling a means to relevant patient outcomes in clinical practice. Few data, however, illustrate attitudes of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and their family members toward genetic study design. This study assessed attitudes of 16 enrolled patients and their family members (P/FM), and 18 investigators or researchers (I/R) of the ongoing DCM Precision Medicine Study during a conjoint patient and investigator meeting using structured, self‐administered surveys examining direct‐to‐participant enrollment and web‐based consent, return of genetic results, and other aspects of genetic study design. Survey respondents were half women and largely identified as white. Web‐based consent was supported by 93% of P/FM and 88% of I/R. Most respondents believed that return of genetic results would motivate study enrollment, but also indicated a desire to opt out. Ideal study design preferences included a 1‐hour visit per year, along with the ability to complete study aspects by telephone or web and possibility of prophylactic medication. This study supports partnership of patients and clinical researchers to inform research priorities and study design to attain the promise of precision medicine for DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa D Blazek
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel D Kinnamon
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jordan
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Hanyu Ni
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ray E Hershberger
- Division of Human Genetics & Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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6
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De Sutter E, Zaçe D, Boccia S, Di Pietro ML, Geerts D, Borry P, Huys I. Implementation of Electronic Informed Consent in Biomedical Research and Stakeholders' Perspectives: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e19129. [PMID: 33030440 PMCID: PMC7582148 DOI: 10.2196/19129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Informed consent is one of the key elements in biomedical research. The introduction of electronic informed consent can be a way to overcome many challenges related to paper-based informed consent; however, its novel opportunities remain largely unfulfilled due to several barriers. Objective We aimed to provide an overview of the ethical, legal, regulatory, and user interface perspectives of multiple stakeholder groups in order to assist responsible implementation of electronic informed consent in biomedical research. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search using Web of Science (Core collection), PubMed, EMBASE, ACM Digital Library, and PsycARTICLES. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used for reporting this work. We included empirical full-text studies focusing on the concept of electronic informed consent in biomedical research covering the ethical, legal, regulatory, and user interface domains. Studies written in English and published from January 2010 onward were selected. We explored perspectives of different stakeholder groups, in particular researchers, research participants, health authorities, and ethics committees. We critically appraised literature included in the systematic review using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort and cross-sectional studies, Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative studies, Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for mixed methods studies, and Jadad tool for randomized controlled trials. Results A total of 40 studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies were heterogeneous in the type of study design, population, intervention, research context, and the tools used. Most of the studies’ populations were research participants (ie, patients and healthy volunteers). The majority of studies addressed barriers to achieving adequate understanding when using electronic informed consent. Concerns shared by multiple stakeholder groups were related to the security and legal validity of an electronic informed consent platform and usability for specific groups of research participants. Conclusions Electronic informed consent has the potential to improve the informed consent process in biomedical research compared to the current paper-based consent. The ethical, legal, regulatory, and user interface perspectives outlined in this review might serve to enhance the future implementation of electronic informed consent. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020158979; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=158979
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien De Sutter
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Drieda Zaçe
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.,Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Di Pietro
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - David Geerts
- Meaningful Interactions Lab, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Pacyna JE, McCormick JB, Olson JE, Winkler EM, Bublitz JT, Hathcock MA, Sharp RR. Assessing the stability of biobank donor preferences regarding sample use: evidence supporting the value of dynamic consent. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 28:1168-1177. [PMID: 32327712 PMCID: PMC7608348 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-0625-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic consent has been proposed as a strategy for addressing the limitations of traditional, broad consent for biobank participation. Although the argument for dynamic consent has been made on theoretical grounds, empirical studies evaluating the potential utility of dynamic consent are needed to enhance deliberations about the merits of dynamic consent. Few studies have assessed such considerations as whether donor preferences may change over time or if participants would use a dynamic consent mechanism to modify preferences when they change. We administered a 66-item survey to participants in a large DNA biobank. The survey sought to gauge the stability of donor preferences specified at the time of biobank enrollment, specifically the stability of donors’ preference regarding posthumous availability of biospecimens to next-of-kin. We received 1164 completed surveys for a response rate of 72%. Forty percent of respondents indicated a preference regarding sample availability on the survey (T2) that was inconsistent with the preference they had expressed when they enrolled in the biobank (T1). Most (94%) individuals with inconsistent preferences regarding sample availability had initially restricted sample availability at T1 but were comfortable with broader availability when asked at the time of the survey (T2). Our findings demonstrate that preferences regarding sample use expressed at the time of enrollment in a DNA biobank may not be reliable indicators of donor preferences over time. These findings lend empirical support to the case for a dynamic consent model in which biobank participants are approached over time to clarify their views regarding sample use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel E Pacyna
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Janet E Olson
- Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Erin M Winkler
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Josh T Bublitz
- Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Richard R Sharp
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. .,Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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8
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Lenk C, Duttge G, Flatau L, Frommeld D, Poser W, Reitt M, Schulze T, Weber A, Zoll B. A look into the future? Patients' and health care staff's perception and evaluation of genetic information and the right not to know. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:576-588. [PMID: 31287218 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The progress of medical genetics leads to a significant increase in genetic knowledge and a vast expansion of genetic diagnostics. However, it is still unknown how these changes will be integrated into medical practice and how they will change patients' and healthy persons' perception and evaluation of genetic diagnoses and genetic knowledge. Therefore, we carried out a comprehensive questionnaire survey with more than 500 patients, clients seeking genetic counseling, health care staff, and healthy persons (N = 523). The questionnaire survey covered detailed questions on the value of genetic diagnoses for the different groups of study participants, the right to know or not to know genetic diagnoses, possible differences between genetic and other medical diagnoses, and the practical use and implications of genetic knowledge with a special focus on hereditary neuropsychiatric diseases. A huge majority of the participants (90.7%) stated to have a right to learn every aspect of her or his genetic make-up. Similarly, study participants showed high interest (81.8%) in incidental health care findings-independent of whether the diseases are treatable or not. One can derive from the data outcome that study participants did not follow the implications of a "genetic exceptionalism" and often considered genetic findings as equivalent in relation to other medical diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lenk
- Institute for the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gunnar Duttge
- Center for Medical Law, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laura Flatau
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Debora Frommeld
- Institute for Social Research and Technology Assessment, Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Poser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Reitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schulze
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weber
- Center for Medical Law, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Zoll
- Institute of Human Genetics, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
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9
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Kostick K, Pereira S, Brannan C, Torgerson L, Lázaro-Muñoz G. Psychiatric genomics researchers' perspectives on best practices for returning results to individual participants. Genet Med 2019; 22:345-352. [PMID: 31477844 PMCID: PMC7000323 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-019-0642-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Large-scale array-based and sequencing studies have advanced our understanding of the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders, but also increased the potential to generate an exponentially larger amount of clinically relevant findings. As genomic testing becomes more widespread in psychiatry research, urgency grows to establish best practices for offering return of results (RoR) to individuals at risk or diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Methods We interviewed an international sample (n = 39) of psychiatric genetics researchers to examine conceptualizations of “best practices” for RoR to individual research participants. Results While the vast majority of researchers do not offer RoR, most believed medically actionable findings (85%) and clinically valid but non–medically actionable findings (54%) should be offered. Researchers identified three main areas for improvement: interfacing with individual participants; interdisciplinary training, guidance, and integration; and quality planning and resource allocation for returning results. Conclusion There are significant gaps between researchers’ visions for “best” versus “actual” RoR practices. While researchers call for participant-centered practices, including consent practices that consider any special needs of participants with psychiatric disorders, return of individually meaningful results, and effective follow-up and provisions for treatment, the current reality is that consent and RoR practices lack standardized and evidence-based norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Kostick
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stacey Pereira
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cody Brannan
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Torgerson
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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