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Modelhart A, Sturz D, Kremslehner L, Prainsack B. Lived experiences of genetic diagnosis for rare disease patients: a qualitative interview study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:68. [PMID: 38355619 PMCID: PMC10868115 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03058-4] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic diagnosis is often understood as a single event within the care pathway of rare disease patients. Legal, policy and ethical scholarship focusing on rare diseases and genetic information discusses questions of how to best deal with the process of genetic diagnosis and the communication of genetic information within a given health system. We co-created a research design with rare disease patients and their families in Austria to explore in-depth the experiences of genetic diagnosis for people affected by rare diseases. Our objective was to trace the whole pathway of genetic testing and understand how rare disease patients experience genetic diagnosis as part of their care pathway in the healthcare system. RESULTS Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews with 14 patients with a suspected or diagnosed rare disease or their parents, focusing on their perception of the pathway of genetic diagnosis in Austria. This pathway included the initial triggering of genetic diagnosis, the process of testing and its immediate (communication of results, counselling) and long-term, wider aftermath. Patients missed a clear link to already established forms of care such as their primary care/treating physicians. They also advocate for an integrated and interdisciplinary care pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the importance of a continuous care and communication pathway spanning from the initial genetic diagnosis process to post-test phases. It further shows the importance of exploring patients' perspectives through qualitative research methods to understand the intricate workings of public health policies and tools. Integrating genetic diagnosis into a broader care trajectory is crucial for a holistic approach to care for rare disease patients who often rely on regular interactions with the healthcare system. Achieving this holistic approach requires collaboration between experts in specific rare disease areas, primary care physicians, and support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Modelhart
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 1, 1010, Vienna, Austria.
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Dominique Sturz
- Pro Rare Austria - Austrian Rare Disease Alliance, Vienna, Austria
- ePAG (European Patient Advocacy Group) ERN-Eye, Strasbourg, FR, France
- Retina International Usher Syndrome Committee and Genetic Diagnosis Task Force, Dublin, Ireland
- Usher Initiative Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Barbara Prainsack
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 1, 1010, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria
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Pearce A, Mitchell LA, Best S, Young MA, Terrill B. Publics' knowledge of, attitude to and motivation towards health-related genomics: a scoping review. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01547-5. [PMID: 38316954 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01547-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of genomic data in research and genomic information in clinical care is increasing as technologies advance and sequencing costs decrease. Using Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a framework we reviewed recent literature examining publics' current knowledge of, attitude to, and motivation towards health-related genomics in clinical and research settings. The population of interest was described as 'publics' to denote the heterogeneity of 'the public'. Eligible studies were published in English between 2016-2022. We retrieved 1657 records, with 278 full-text reviewed against the eligibility criteria and concept definitions. In total, 99 articles were included in the review and descriptive numerical summaries were collated. Knowledge literature was categorized using deductive thematic analysis. For attitude and motivation, literature was coded using an analytic framework developed by the authors. There was wide variability in concept definition and measurement across studies. Overall, there was general positivity about genomics, with high awareness but little familiarity or factual knowledge. Publics had high expectations of genomics and perceived that it could provide them with information for their future. Only a few key attitudes were found to be important as motivators or barriers for participation in genomics; these were related to personal and clinical utility of the information. Context was often missing from studies, decreasing the utility of findings for implementation or public engagement. Future research would benefit by using theory-driven approaches to assess relevant publics' knowledge and attitudes of specific contexts or applications to support genomic implementation and informed decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pearce
- Clinical Translation & Engagement, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Lucas A Mitchell
- Clinical Translation & Engagement, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephanie Best
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary-Anne Young
- Clinical Translation & Engagement, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Terrill
- Clinical Translation & Engagement, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Prosenc B, Cizek Sajko M, Kavsek G, Herzog M, Peterlin B. Perception of genomic newborn screening among peripartum mothers. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:163-170. [PMID: 38110644 PMCID: PMC10853238 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in genomic technology have generated possibilities for expanding newborn screening from traditional procedures to genomic newborn screening (gNBS). However, before the implementation of gNBS, it is crucial to address various aspects, including parental attitudes, at the national level. With this aim, we analyzed the attitudes and expectations of Slovenian peripartum mothers regarding gNBS and the acceptability of its implementation into the Slovenian health system. A questionnaire-based study was conducted on a convenience sample of 1136 peripartum mothers (a response rate of 84.1%) in a hospital setting in Slovenia. We measured participants' level of general genetic knowledge, motivation to undergo gNBS, attitude toward its benefits and drawbacks, willingness to participate financially, and factors that would influence their decision to undergo gNBS. Most participants exhibited a positive attitude (83.2%) and were motivated to undertake gNBS (63.4%). They were willing to share genetic data and also contribute to the testing costs. Mothers with better genetic literacy and higher education level, and those with the familial genetic testing experiences were more supportive of gNBS. However, several emotional and socio-ethical concerns were raised regarding how the genetic information would influence family and social life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Prosenc
- Clinical Institute for Genomic Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo mesto, Novo mesto, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Cizek Sajko
- Clinical Institute for Genomic Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gorazd Kavsek
- Clinical Department of Perinatology, The Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marusa Herzog
- Clinical Department of Perinatology, The Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Borut Peterlin
- Clinical Institute for Genomic Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo mesto, Novo mesto, Slovenia.
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Peter M, Hammond J, Sanderson SC, Gurasashvili J, Hunter A, Searle B, Patch C, Chitty LS, Hill M, Lewis C. Knowledge, attitudes and decision regret: a longitudinal survey study of participants offered genome sequencing in the 100,000 Genomes Project. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:1407-1413. [PMID: 37789083 PMCID: PMC10689827 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We used cross-sectional surveys to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and decision regret of participants who had consented for genome sequencing (GS) for rare disease diagnosis in the 100,000 Genomes Project (100kGP) across two timepoints (at the time of consenting for GS (T1) and 12-18 months later (T2)). At T1, participants (n = 504) completed a survey that included measures of general knowledge of GS ("Knowledge of Genome Sequencing" (KOGS)), specific knowledge of GS and attitudes towards GS ("General attitudes" and "Specific attitudes"). At T2, participants (n = 296) completed these same assessments (apart from the specific knowledge scale) together with an assessment of decision regret towards GS ("Decisional Regret Scale"). At 12-18 months after consenting for GS, participants' basic knowledge of GS had remained stable. General knowledge of GS varied across topics; concepts underlying more general information about genetics were better understood than the technical details of genomic testing. Attitudes towards GS at T2 were generally positive, and feelings towards GS (both positive and negative) remained unchanged. However, those who were more positive about the test at the outset had greater specific knowledge (as opposed to general knowledge) of GS. Finally, although the majority of participants indicated feeling little regret towards undergoing GS, those with low positive attitude and high negative attitude about GS at T1 reported greater decision regret at T2. Careful assessment of patient knowledge about and attitudes towards GS at the time of offering testing is crucial for supporting informed decision making and mitigating later regret.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Peter
- NHS North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Hammond
- NHS North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Saskia C Sanderson
- NHS North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jana Gurasashvili
- NHS North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Beverly Searle
- Unique - Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group, Oxted, UK
| | - Christine Patch
- Engagement and Society, Wellcome Connecting Science, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1RQ, UK
| | - Lyn S Chitty
- NHS North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Melissa Hill
- NHS North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Celine Lewis
- NHS North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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Etchegary H, Darmonkov G, Simmonds C, Pullman D, Rahman P. Public attitudes towards genomic data sharing: results from a provincial online survey in Canada. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:81. [PMID: 37805493 PMCID: PMC10560413 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00967-0] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While genomic data sharing can facilitate important health research and discovery benefits, these must be balanced against potential privacy risks and harms to individuals. Understanding public attitudes and perspectives on data sharing is important given these potential risks and to inform genomic research and policy that aligns with public preferences and needs. METHODS A cross sectional online survey measured attitudes towards genomic data sharing among members of the general public in an Eastern Canadian province. RESULTS Results showed a moderate comfort level with sharing genomic data, usually into restricted scientific databases with controlled access. Much lower comfort levels were observed for sharing data into open or publicly accessible databases. While respondents largely approved of sharing genomic data for health research permitted by a research ethics board, many general public members were concerned with who would have access to their data, with higher rates of approval for access from clinical or academic actors, but much more limited approval of access from commercial entities or governments. Prior knowledge about sequencing and about research ethics boards were both related to data sharing attitudes. CONCLUSIONS With evolving regulations and guidelines for genomics research and data sharing, it is important to consider the perspectives of participants most impacted by these changes. Participant information materials and informed consent documents must be explicit about the safeguards in place to protect genomic data and the policies governing the sharing of data. Increased public awareness of the role of research ethics boards and of the need for genomic data sharing more broadly is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Etchegary
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada.
| | - Georgia Darmonkov
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Charlene Simmonds
- Research Initiatives and Services, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Daryl Pullman
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Proton Rahman
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
- Eastern Regional Health Authority, Memorial University and Rheumatologist, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
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Fernandez-Luque L, Al Herbish A, Al Shammari R, Argente J, Bin-Abbas B, Deeb A, Dixon D, Zary N, Koledova E, Savage MO. Digital Health for Supporting Precision Medicine in Pediatric Endocrine Disorders: Opportunities for Improved Patient Care. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:715705. [PMID: 34395347 PMCID: PMC8358399 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.715705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Digitalization of healthcare delivery is rapidly fostering development of precision medicine. Multiple digital technologies, known as telehealth or eHealth tools, are guiding individualized diagnosis and treatment for patients, and can contribute significantly to the objectives of precision medicine. From a basis of "one-size-fits-all" healthcare, precision medicine provides a paradigm shift to deliver a more nuanced and personalized approach. Genomic medicine utilizing new technologies can provide precision analysis of causative mutations, with personalized understanding of mechanisms and effective therapy. Education is fundamental to the telehealth process, with artificial intelligence (AI) enhancing learning for healthcare professionals and empowering patients to contribute to their care. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is rapidly implementing telehealth strategies at all levels and a workshop was convened to discuss aspirations of precision medicine in the context of pediatric endocrinology, including diabetes and growth disorders, with this paper based on those discussions. GCC regional investment in AI, bioinformatics and genomic medicine, is rapidly providing healthcare benefits. However, embracing precision medicine is presenting some major new design, installation and skills challenges. Genomic medicine is enabling precision and personalization of diagnosis and therapy of endocrine conditions. Digital education and communication tools in the field of endocrinology include chatbots, interactive robots and augmented reality. Obesity and diabetes are a major challenge in the GCC region and eHealth tools are increasingly being used for management of care. With regard to growth failure, digital technologies for growth hormone (GH) administration are being shown to enhance adherence and response outcomes. While technical innovations become more affordable with increasing adoption, we should be aware of sustainability, design and implementation costs, training of HCPs and prediction of overall healthcare benefits, which are essential for precision medicine to develop and for its objectives to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Riyad Al Shammari
- National Center for Artificial Intelligence, Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jesús Argente
- Department of Pediatrics & Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- IMDEA Food Institute, CEIUAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bassam Bin-Abbas
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Deeb
- Paediatric Endocrine Division, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - David Dixon
- Connected Health and Devices, Merck, Ares Trading SA, Aubonne, Switzerland
| | - Nabil Zary
- Institute for Excellence in Health Professions Education, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Martin O. Savage
- Department of Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
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