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Baynam G, Gomez R, Jain R. Stigma associated with genetic testing for rare diseases-causes and recommendations. Front Genet 2024; 15:1335768. [PMID: 38638122 PMCID: PMC11024281 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1335768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare disease (RD) is a term used to describe numerous, heterogeneous diseases that are geographically disparate. Approximately 400 million people worldwide live with an RD equating to roughly 1 in 10 people, with 71.9% of RDs having a genetic origin. RDs present a distinctive set of challenges to people living with rare diseases (PLWRDs), their families, healthcare professionals (HCPs), healthcare system, and societies at large. The possibility of inheriting a genetic disease has a substantial social and psychological impact on affected families. In addition to other concerns, PLWRDs and their families may feel stigmatized, experience guilt, feel blamed, and stress about passing the disease to future generations. Stigma can affect all stages of the journey of PLWRDs and their families, from pre-diagnosis to treatment access, care and support, and compliance. It adversely impacts the quality of life of RD patients. To better explore the impact of stigma associated with genetic testing for RDs, we conducted a literature search on PubMed and Embase databases to identify articles published on stigma and RDs from January 2013 to February 2023. There is a dearth of literature investigating the dynamics of stigma and RD genetic testing. The authors observed that the research into the implications of stigma for patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and potential interventions is limited. Herein, the authors present a review of published literature on stigma with a focus on RD genetic testing, the associated challenges, and possible ways to address these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Baynam
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program -WA, Genetic Services of WA, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
- Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
- Rare Care Centre, Perth Children’s Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Roy Gomez
- Emerging Asia Medical Lead–Specialty Care, Pfizer, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ritu Jain
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- DEBRA International, Asia Pacific Alliance of Rare Disease Organizations, Singapore, Singapore
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Salcedo-Perez-Juana M, Palacios-Ceña D, San-Martín-Gómez A, Aledo-Serrano Á, Florencio LL. Quality of life, socioeconomic and psychological concerns in parents of children with tuberous sclerosis complex, STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 encephalopathies: a mixed method study. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1285377. [PMID: 38027293 PMCID: PMC10665567 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1285377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs) occur in childhood and are associated with severe epileptic seizures and neurological impairment. The aim of this study was to combine quantitative and qualitative methodologies to comprehensively describe factors related to quality of life, impact on the family and psychosocial factors in parents of children with TSC, STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 variants. Methods A convergent parallel mixed design including parents of children with DEE. In the cross-sectional study, 20 parents (10STXBP1, five SYNGAP1, five TSC) were given questionnaires on quality of life, impact on the family and psychological factors. In the descriptive qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 parents (nine STXBP1, five TSC, four SYNGAP1) using a semi-structured questionnaire. A thematic analysis was carried out. The results of the two studies were combined by showing similarities and differences through tables, figures, accounts, and joint displays. Results In terms of quality of life, the integrated results were consistent in highlighting the importance of family interaction, although in the qualitative section the influence of the relationship between the children's siblings, the relationship with health professionals and the difficulties in obtaining public aid were highlighted. In terms of impact, the integrated results show that the illness has a significant impact on the family; the financial burden is highlighted, and the experience of the illness is discussed in depth. Finally, the psychological aspects, symptoms such as anxiety, stress and strain, were consistent. Most of the participants reported sleep disturbance, as identified in the questionnaire, although not mentioned in the interviews. Conclusions The combined results of the mixed method provide an in-depth analysis of the impact of DEEs on parents of children with STXBP1, SYNGAP1 and TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Salcedo-Perez-Juana
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana San-Martín-Gómez
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Aledo-Serrano
- Epilepsyand Neurogenetics Programme, Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University Hospital, Vithas Hospital Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidiane Lima Florencio
- Research Group of Manual Therapy, Dry Needling and Therapeutic Exercise (GITM-URJC), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Liu W, Liu P, Guo D, Jin Y, Zhao K, Zheng J, Li K, Li L, Zhang S. Physicians' use and perceptions of genetic testing for rare diseases in China: a nationwide cross-sectional study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:240. [PMID: 37563631 PMCID: PMC10416371 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02847-7] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic testing can facilitate the diagnosis and subsequent therapeutic management of rare diseases. However, there is a lack of data on the use of genetic testing for rare diseases. This study aims to describe the utilization rate and troubles encountered by clinicians in treating rare diseases with genetic testing. METHODS A cross-sectional electronic questionnaire survey was conducted between June and October 2022 among the medical staff from the hospitals covering all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China. The survey on genetic testing focused on whether genetic testing was used in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, the specific methods of genetic testing, and the problems encountered when using genetic testing. RESULTS A total of 20,132 physicians who had treated rare diseases were included, of whom 35.5% were from the central region, 36.7% were from the eastern region, and 27.8% were from the western region. The total utilization rate of genetic testing for rare diseases was 76.0% (95%CI: 75.4-76.6). The use of genetic testing was highest in the Eastern region (79.2% [95% CI: 78.3-80.1]), followed by the Central (75.9% [95% CI: 74.9-76.9]) and Western regions (71.9% [95% CI: 70.7-73.1]). More than 90% (94.1% [95%CI: 93.4-94.8]) of pediatricians had used genetic testing to treat rare diseases, with surgeons having the lowest use of genetic testing (58.3% [95% CI: 56.6-60.0]). Physicians' departments and education levels affect the use of genetic testing. Most physicians have used a variety of genetic tests in the management of rare diseases, the most popular methods were "Whole-exome sequencing (Proband)" and "Whole-exome sequencing (families of three or more)". Doctors have encountered many problems with the use of genetic testing in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, among which the high price was the main concern of medical workers. CONCLUSION Three-quarters of physicians used genetic testing in rare disease practice, and there were regional differences in the use of genetic testing. Recognition of the utilization of genetic testing can help identify patterns of resource utilization in different regions and provide a more comprehensive picture of the epidemiology of rare diseases in jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weida Liu
- Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Dan Guo
- Clinical Biobank, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ye Jin
- Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayin Zheng
- Vanke School of Public Health, Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- China Alliance for Rare Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Li
- China Alliance for Rare Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Linkang Li
- China Alliance for Rare Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyang Zhang
- Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Crellin E, Martyn M, McClaren B, Gaff C. What matters to parents? A scoping review of parents' service experiences and needs regarding genetic testing for rare diseases. Eur J Hum Genet 2023:10.1038/s41431-023-01376-y. [PMID: 37308600 PMCID: PMC10400618 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01376-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient care experiences are key to promoting better outcomes and are an essential consideration for successful implementation of genomics in paediatric care. To understand parents' service experiences and needs regarding testing of their child for rare diseases, we conducted a scoping review. Five databases were searched (2000-2022), with 29 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Experiences of care wholly delivered by genetic services were most commonly reported (n = 11). Results were synthesised by mapping extracted data to adapted Picker principles of person-centred care. Parents especially valued and emphasised the importance of feeling 'cared for', continuous relationships with clinicians, empathic communication, being kept informed while awaiting genetic test results, linkage with informational and psychosocial resources following results disclosure, and follow-up. Strategies were often proposed by authors to address long-standing unmet needs but evidence from the literature regarding their potential effectiveness was rarely provided. We conclude that 'what matters' to parents regarding genetic testing is not dissimilar to other aspects of care. Paediatric medical specialists have existing skill sets, trusted relationships and can apply familiar principles of 'good' care to enhance experiences of genetic testing. The lack of evidence for service improvement strategies highlights the pressing need to undertake rigorous design and testing of interventions alongside mainstreaming of genomics into paediatric care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Crellin
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Genomics in Society, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa Martyn
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Genomics in Society, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Belinda McClaren
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Genomics in Society, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Clara Gaff
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Genomics in Society, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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García-Bravo C, Palacios-Ceña D, García-Bravo S, Pérez-Corrales J, Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres M, Martínez-Piédrola RM. Social and Family Challenges of Having a Child Diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Parents' Experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10524. [PMID: 36078244 PMCID: PMC9518052 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) in children causes significant challenges affecting social and family relationships. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of parents with children diagnosed with PMS regarding interactions with their social environment; (2) Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants were recruited using non-probabilistic purposeful sampling. In total, 32 parents of children with PMS were included. In-depth interviews and researchers' field notes were used to collect the data. An inductive thematic analysis was performed; (3) Results: Five themes were identified: (a) challenges in the relationship as a couple; (b) challenges within the family and close social relationships; (c) challenges in the educational-school environment; (d) challenges in the health environment and with health professionals, and (e) reconnection through the PMS association. It would be beneficial for parents to create training programs on PMS in the educational and healthcare settings, to promote the participation of professionals in the PMS association and to develop care programs focusing in their physical, psychological and social health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina García-Bravo
- Research Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Pérez-Corrales
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres
- Research Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Rosa Mª Martínez-Piédrola
- Research Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
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No gene to predict the future? Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:491-492. [PMID: 35538188 PMCID: PMC9091269 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01101-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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