1
|
Gafni-Amsalem C, Aboleil-Zoubi O, Chervinsky E, Aleme O, Khayat M, Bashir H, Perets LP, Mamluk E, Hakrosh S, Kurtzman S, Tamir L, Baram-Tsabari A, Shalev SA. Educational tools support informed decision-making for genetic carrier screening in a heterogenic Israeli population. J Community Genet 2024; 15:137-146. [PMID: 38114746 PMCID: PMC11031536 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00694-4] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS) aims to provide couples with information to make informed decisions. Since 2013, the Israeli Carrier Screening Program has been offered routinely and free of charge to all Israelis of reproductive age, personalized based on religion, ethnicity, and village/tribe where a disorder is frequent. This study evaluated the impact of two educational tools on an informed choice on RGCS uptake and satisfaction with counselling within a heterogeneous population in northern Israel. Participants from diverse sociodemographic population groups were randomly assigned to watch an animated film, read a booklet conveying the same information, or receive no information before counselling for RGCS, and asked to complete pre- and post-counselling questionnaires. A higher informed-decision rate was demonstrated in the film (n=93/141, 66%) and booklet (n=88/131, 67%) groups vs. the non-intervention group (n=62/143, 43%) (P<0.001), assessed by the Multidimensional Measure of Informed Choice. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that allocation to an intervention group, Jewish ethnicity and higher education level, best predicted informed choice. Most participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the counselling process, regardless of group assignment. While only a minority of participants reported seeking information prior to visiting the clinic, the pre-counselling information interventions were well accepted. Pre-counselling self-learning educational tools should be promoted, easily available, and adjusted linguistically and culturally to targeted populations, to avoid unwanted "automatic" compliance of tested individuals and maximize the potential of informed decision-making. Our study can be applied to other countries where majority and minority ethnic groups access genetic services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gafni-Amsalem
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel.
| | - Olfat Aboleil-Zoubi
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | | | - Ola Aleme
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Morad Khayat
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Husam Bashir
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | | | - Efrat Mamluk
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Shadia Hakrosh
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Shoshi Kurtzman
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Liron Tamir
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | | | - Stavit A Shalev
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hull LE, Flannery K, Kaimal A, Sepucha K, Rehm HL, Haas JS. Multilevel barriers and facilitators to widespread use of preconception carrier screening in the United States. Genet Med 2023; 25:100946. [PMID: 37534745 PMCID: PMC10825062 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100946] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although preconception reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS) is preferred to screening during pregnancy, population-wide preconception screening is not routinely performed in the United States. We explored the multilevel barriers to the widespread adoption of preconception RGCS in the United States via key informant interviews. METHODS Semi-structured virtual video interviews were conducted with 29 informants with a breadth of professional expertise between May and October 2022. Data collection and qualitative analyses were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and socioecological model. Analysis focused on identifying barriers to delivering preconception RGCS at and across different levels of health care and exploring potential facilitators of preconception RGCS delivery. RESULTS Barriers to preconception RGCS were identified at the levels of test characteristics, patients and couples, clinicians and care teams, and the external health care and policy environments. Across the different levels of care delivery, 3 themes of barriers emerged: (1) fragmentation and inconsistencies hinder care delivery, (2) gaps in knowledge, misconceptions, and uncertainties about RGCS are pervasive, and (3) expanding preconception RGCS in the diverse US population presents unique implementation challenges. Potential solutions were detailed by informants. CONCLUSION Identifying individual and thematic barriers to preconception RGCS delivery may help to define strategies to alleviate obstacles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leland E Hull
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; The Broad Institute of MIT and Cambridge, Cambridge, MA.
| | - Kelsey Flannery
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Anjali Kaimal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Karen Sepucha
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Heidi L Rehm
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; The Broad Institute of MIT and Cambridge, Cambridge, MA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Simches Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer S Haas
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Richardson E, McEwen A, Newton-John T, Jacobs C. Defining core outcomes of reproductive genetic carrier screening: A Delphi survey of Australian and New Zealand stakeholders. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:1150-1165. [PMID: 37526246 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding the value, benefits and harms of health interventions is needed to inform best practice and ensure responsible implementation of new approaches to patient care. Such value is demonstrated through the assessment of outcomes; however, which outcomes are assessed is often highly varied across studies and can hinder the ability to draw robust conclusions. The Core Outcome Development for Carrier Screening study aims to understand the outcomes that can meaningfully capture the value of reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS). METHOD The authors report an iterative, two-round online Delphi survey of Australian and New Zealand stakeholders to determine the degree of consensus regarding the core outcomes of RGCS. Panellists ranked 83 outcomes according to their perceived importance on a nine-point Likert scale. Using the distribution of rankings, outcomes were grouped into tiers representative of their perceived level of importance and agreement between groups. RESULTS The top tier outcomes represent those agreed to be critically important for all future studies of RGCS to assess and were used to define a preliminary core outcome set encompassing the domains (1) primary laboratory outcomes, (2) pregnancy outcomes, (3) resource use and, (4) perceived utility of RGCS. CONCLUSION These findings can guide the selection of meaningful outcomes in studies aiming to demonstrate the value of RGCS. A future international consensus process will expand on these findings and guide the inclusion of diverse perspectives across the range of settings in which RGCS is offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ebony Richardson
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison McEwen
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Toby Newton-John
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Jacobs
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van den Heuvel LM, van den Berg N, Janssens ACJW, Birnie E, Henneman L, Dondorp WJ, Plantinga M, van Langen IM. Societal implications of expanded universal carrier screening: a scoping review. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:55-72. [PMID: 36097155 PMCID: PMC9822904 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01178-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Carrier screening aims to identify couples at risk of conceiving children with a recessive condition. Until recently, carrier screening was primarily offered ancestry-based. Technological advances now facilitate expanded universal carrier screening (EUCS). This scoping review aimed to map EUCS's potential societal implications based on both theoretical studies and empirical evidence. To this aim, we performed a CoCites search to find relevant articles, including articles describing carrier screening for at-risk populations, based on five selected query articles. Forty articles were included. Three main potential societal implications were identified: (1) unwanted medicalization, (2) stigmatization and discrimination of carriers and people affected with the conditions screened and (3) challenges in achieving equitable access. Within these themes, potential positive implications are reduction of ethnic stigmatization in ancestry-based offers and increased equity. Potential negative implications are reinforcement of disability-based stigmatization, less possibility for developing expertise in healthcare and societal pressure to partake in screening. Empirical evidence on all these implications is however scarce. In conclusion, both positive and negative potential societal implications of implementing EUCS, primarily theoretical, were identified, even in at-risk groups where evidence is mostly lacking. Empirical research in EUCS pilots is needed to identify which societal implications are likely to occur and therefore should be overcome when implementing EUCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lieke M. van den Heuvel
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nina van den Berg
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. Cecile J. W. Janssens
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Erwin Birnie
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lidewij Henneman
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wybo J. Dondorp
- grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Department of Health, Ethics & Society, Research Schools CAPHRI and GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Plantinga
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Irene M. van Langen
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Richardson E, McEwen A, Newton-John T, Crook A, Jacobs C. Outcomes of Importance to Patients in Reproductive Genetic Carrier Screening: A Qualitative Study to Inform a Core Outcome Set. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081310. [PMID: 36013258 PMCID: PMC9409855 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is significant heterogeneity in the outcomes assessed across studies of reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS). Only a small number of studies have measured patient-reported outcomes or included patients in the selection of outcomes that are meaningful to them. This study was a cross-sectional, qualitative study of 15 patient participants conducted to inform a core outcome set. A core outcome set is an approach to facilitate standardisation in outcome reporting, allowing direct comparison of outcomes across studies to enhance understanding of impacts and potential harms. The aim of this study was to incorporate the patient perspective in the development of a core outcome set by eliciting a detailed understanding of outcomes of importance to patients. Data were collected via online, semi-structured interviews using a novel method informed by co-design and the nominal group technique. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Outcomes elicited from patient stakeholder interviews highlighted several under-explored areas for future research. This includes the role of grief and loss in increased risk couples, the role of empowerment in conceptualising the utility of RGCS, the impact of societal context and barriers that contribute to negative experiences, and the role of genetic counselling in ensuring that information needs are met and informed choice facilitated as RGCS becomes increasingly routine. Future research should focus on incorporating outcomes that accurately reflect patient needs and experience.
Collapse
|
6
|
Richardson E, McEwen A, Newton-John T, Crook A, Jacobs C. Incorporating patient perspectives in the development of a core outcome set for reproductive genetic carrier screening: a sequential systematic review. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:756-765. [PMID: 35347269 PMCID: PMC9259674 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01090-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently no consensus on the key outcomes of reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS). This has led to a large amount of variability in approaches to research, limiting direct comparison and synthesis of findings. In a recently published systematic review of quantitative studies on RGCS, we found that few studies incorporated patient-reported outcomes. In response to this gap, we conducted a sequential systematic review of qualitative studies to identify outcomes exploring the patient experience of RGCS. In conjunction with the review of quantitative studies, these outcomes will be used to inform the development of a core outcome set. Text excerpts relevant to outcomes, including quotes and themes, were extracted verbatim and deductively coded as outcomes. We conducted a narrative synthesis to group outcomes within domains previously defined in our review of quantitative studies, and identify any new domains that were unique to qualitative studies. Seventy-eight outcomes were derived from qualitative studies and grouped into 19 outcome domains. Three new outcome domains were identified; 'goals of pre- and post-test genetic counselling', 'acceptability of further testing and alternative reproductive options', and 'perceived utility of RGCS'. The identification of outcome domains that were not identified in quantitative studies indicates that outcomes reflecting the patient perspective may be under-represented in the quantitative literature on this topic. Further work should focus on ensuring that outcomes reflect the real world needs and concerns of patients in order to maximise translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ebony Richardson
- grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Alison McEwen
- grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Toby Newton-John
- grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Ashley Crook
- grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Chris Jacobs
- grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Koracin V, Loeber JG, Mlinaric M, Battelino T, Bonham JR, Groselj U. Global impact of COVID-19 on newborn screening programmes. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007780. [PMID: 35236661 PMCID: PMC8895417 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The global COVID-19 pandemic has presented extraordinary disruption to healthcare services and exposed them to numerous challenges. Newborn screening (NBS) programmes were also affected; however, scarce data exist on the impact of COVID-19 on NBS. Methods We conducted an international survey to assess the global impact of COVID-19 on NBS, with the main aim of gathering the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic from a large and representative number of NBS centres worldwide. Results The results of our study showed that COVID-19 impacted the NBS programmes, at least partially, in 29 out of 38 responding countries. Majority of the screening centres experienced a broad spectrum of difficulties and most were affected more in the second wave of the pandemic. Delays and unreliability with the postal service as well as flight cancellations caused delays in samples arriving to screening centres and with the provision of laboratory equipment and reagents. The availability of laboratory staff was sometimes reduced due to infection, quarantine or reassignment within the healthcare facility. Sample collection at home, second-tier tests and follow-up were also affected. Social restrictions and interruptions in public transport added to these difficulties. Only a limited number of centres managed to retain a fully functioning NBS programme. Conclusion As the pandemic might continue or could recur in future years, it would be useful to develop guidelines to protect these valuable services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Koracin
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, UMC - University Children's Hospital Ljubljana; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - J Gerard Loeber
- International Society for Neonatal Screening (ISNS) Office, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Matej Mlinaric
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, UMC - University Children's Hospital Ljubljana; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Battelino
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, UMC - University Children's Hospital Ljubljana; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - James R Bonham
- Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Urh Groselj
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, UMC - University Children's Hospital Ljubljana; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | |
Collapse
|