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Walshe J, Elphinstone B, Nicol D, Taylor M. A systematic literature review of the 'commercialisation effect' on public attitudes towards biobank and genomic data repositories. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:548-567. [PMID: 38389329 PMCID: PMC11264570 DOI: 10.1177/09636625241230864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Initiatives that collect and share genomic data to advance health research are widespread and accelerating. Commercial interests in these efforts, while vital, may erode public trust and willingness to provide personal genomic data, upon which these initiatives depend. Understanding public attitudes towards providing genomic data for health research in the context of commercial involvement is critical. A PRISMA-guided search of six online academic databases identified 113 quantitative and qualitative studies using primary data pertaining to public attitudes towards commercial actors in the management, collection, access, and use of biobank and genomic data. The presence of commercial interests yields interrelated public concerns around consent, privacy and data security, trust in science and scientists, benefit sharing, and the ownership and control of health data. Carefully considered regulatory and data governance and access policies are therefore required to maintain public trust and support for genomic health initiatives.
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Likhanov M, Zakharov I, Awofala A, Ogundele O, Selita F, Kovas Y, Chapman R. Attitudes towards genetic testing: The role of genetic literacy, motivated cognition, and socio-demographic characteristics. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293187. [PMID: 37967060 PMCID: PMC10651000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293187] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding reasons for why people choose to have or not to have a genetic test is essential given the ever-increasing use of genetic technologies in everyday life. The present study explored the multiple drivers of people's attitudes towards genetic testing. Using the International Genetic Literacy and Attitudes Survey (iGLAS), we collected data on: (1) willingness to undergo testing; (2) genetic literacy; (3) motivated cognition; and (4) demographic and cultural characteristics. The 37 variables were explored in the largest to-date sample of 4311 participants from diverse demographic and cultural backgrounds. The results showed that 82% of participants were willing to undergo genetic testing for improved treatment; and over 73%-for research. The 35 predictor variables together explained only a small proportion of variance: 7%-in the willingness to test for Treatment; and 6%-for Research. The strongest predictors of willingness to undergo genetic testing were genetic knowledge and deterministic beliefs. Concerns about data misuse and about finding out unwanted health-related information were weakly negatively associated with willingness to undergo genetic testing. We also found some differences in factors linked to attitudes towards genetic testing across the countries included in this study. Our study demonstrates that decision-making regarding genetic testing is influenced by a large number of potentially interacting factors. Further research into these factors may help consumers to make decisions regarding genetic testing that are right for their specific circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Likhanov
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ilya Zakharov
- Ural Federal University Named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
- Psychological Institute of Russian Academy of Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Adeyemi Awofala
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun Ogundele
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria
| | - Fatos Selita
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yulia Kovas
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Chapman
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Briscoe F, Ajunwa I, Bourgoin A, Maxwell J. Racial Differences in Perceptions of Genetic Wellness Programs. Am J Health Promot 2023; 37:940-952. [PMID: 37439004 PMCID: PMC10469479 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231184360] [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] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Genetic wellness programs (GWPs) are a highly innovative workforce wellness product. Recently marketed to U.S. employers by at least 16 vendors, GWPs take advantage of low-cost DNA sequencing to detect genetic risk factors for an increasing array of diseases. The purpose of this research is to understand perceptions, concerns, and barriers related to GWPs, among employees from Black, White, and Asian backgrounds and different income levels. APPROACH Qualitative study with 3 focus groups (FGs). SETTING Employees of large high-technology companies (deemed likely early GWP adopters). RESPONDENTS 21 individuals recruited online through User Interviews. METHOD FG guide developed via literature review and landscape analysis, and pre-tested. FGs led by a trained moderator and audio-recorded. Transcripts content analyzed for key themes. RESULTS Nearly all respondents saw potential benefits to GWP participation for themselves or their families. However, there were profound differences in perceptions of risks to GWP participation between Black and White/Asian respondents. These differences surfaced in three broad areas: privacy and discrimination risks; family impact risks; and feelings about the employer. Willingness to participate in a GWP also varied between Black employee respondents and White and Asian employee respondents (including low-income White employees). Only 27% of Black employees would participate in GWP, compared to 90% of the other employees. CONCLUSION Most employees appear likely to support employer adoption of GWPs. However, Black employees report significant concerns regarding participation. Addressing these concerns through program design would benefit all employees, and could increase trust and uptake of GWPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forrest Briscoe
- Smeal College of Business, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Ifeoma Ajunwa
- University of North Carolina School of Law, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Kim J, Im E, Kim H. From intention to action: The factors affecting health data sharing intention and action. Int J Med Inform 2023; 175:105071. [PMID: 37099875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105071] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective prevention and treatment of diseases requires utilization of health-related lifestyle data, which has thus become increasingly important. According to some studies, participants were willing to share their health data for use in medical care and research. Although intention does not always accurately reflect action, few studies have examined the question of whether data-sharing intention leads to data-sharing action. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the extent of actualizing data-sharing intention to data-sharing action and to identify the factors that influence data-sharing intention and action. METHODS A web-based survey of members of a university examined the data-sharing intention and issues of concern when making decisions on data sharing. The participants were asked to deposit their armband data for use in research at the end of the survey. A comparison of data-sharing intention and action in relation to the participants' characteristics was performed. Factors having a significant effect on data-sharing intention and action were identified using logistic regressions. RESULTS Of 386 participants, 294 expressed willingness to share health data. However, only 73 participants deposited their armband data. The primary reason for refusal to deposit armband data was the inconvenience of the data transfer process (56.3%). Appropriate compensation had a significant effect on data-sharing intention (OR: 3.3, CI: 1.86-5.75) and action (OR: 2.8, CI: 1.14-8.21). The compensation for data sharing (OR:2.8, CI:1.14-8.21) and familiarity with data (OR:3.1, CI:1.36-8.21) were significant predictors of data sharing action, however, data-sharing intention was not (OR: 1.5, CI:0.65-3.72). CONCLUSION Despite expressing willingness to share their health data, the participants' intention was not actualized to data-sharing behavior for depositing armband data. Implementation of a streamlined data transfer process and providing appropriate compensation might facilitate data-sharing. These findings could be useful in development of strategies to facilitate sharing and reuse of health data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsol Kim
- Seoul National University, College of Nursing, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunyoung Im
- Seoul National University, College of Nursing, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeoneui Kim
- Seoul National University, College of Nursing, Seoul, Korea; Seoul National University, The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul, Korea.
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Warren V, Critchley C, McWhirter R, Walshe J, Nicol D. Context matters in genomic data sharing: a qualitative investigation into responses from the Australian public. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 15:275. [PMID: 37005651 PMCID: PMC10068139 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding public attitudes to genomic data sharing is widely seen as key in shaping effective governance. However, empirical research in this area often fails to capture the contextual nuances of diverse sharing practices and regulatory concerns encountered in real-world genomic data sharing. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting public attitudes to data sharing through responses to diverse genomic data sharing scenarios. METHODS A set of seven empirically validated genomic data sharing scenarios reflecting a range of current practices in Australia was used in an open-ended survey of a diverse sample of the Australian public (n = 243). Qualitative responses were obtained for each of the scenarios. Respondents were each allocated one scenario and asked five questions on: whether (and why/not) they would share data; what sharing would depend on; benefits and risks of sharing; risks they were willing to accept if sharing was certain to result in benefits; and what could increase their comfort about sharing and any potential risk. A thematic analysis was used to examine responses, coded and validated by two blinded coders. RESULTS Participants indicated an overall high willingness to share genomic information, although this willingness varied considerably between different scenarios. A strong perception of benefits was reported as the foremost explanation for willingness to share across all scenarios. The high degree of convergence in the perception of benefits and the types of benefits identified by participants across all the scenarios suggests that the differentiation in intention to share may lie in perceptions of risk, which showed distinct patterns within and between the different scenarios. Some concerns were shared strongly across all scenarios, particularly benefit sharing, future use, and privacy. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative responses provide insight into popular assumptions regarding existing protections, conceptions of privacy, and which trade-offs are generally acceptable. Our results indicate that public attitudes and concerns are heterogeneous and influenced by the context in which sharing takes place. The convergence of key themes such as benefits and future uses point to core concerns that must be centred in regulatory responses to genomic data sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Warren
- School of Law, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia.
| | - Christine Critchley
- School of Law, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia
- School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebekah McWhirter
- School of Law, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Jarrod Walshe
- School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Dianne Nicol
- School of Law, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia
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The ethical and legal landscape of brain data governance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273473. [PMID: 36580464 PMCID: PMC9799320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroscience research is producing big brain data which informs both advancements in neuroscience research and drives the development of advanced datasets to provide advanced medical solutions. These brain data are produced under different jurisdictions in different formats and are governed under different regulations. The governance of data has become essential and critical resulting in the development of various governance structures to ensure that the quality, availability, findability, accessibility, usability, and utility of data is maintained. Furthermore, data governance is influenced by various ethical and legal principles. However, it is still not clear what ethical and legal principles should be used as a standard or baseline when managing brain data due to varying practices and evolving concepts. Therefore, this study asks what ethical and legal principles shape the current brain data governance landscape? A systematic scoping review and thematic analysis of articles focused on biomedical, neuro and brain data governance was carried out to identify the ethical and legal principles which shape the current brain data governance landscape. The results revealed that there is currently a large variation of how the principles are presented and discussions around the terms are very multidimensional. Some of the principles are still at their infancy and are barely visible. A range of principles emerged during the thematic analysis providing a potential list of principles which can provide a more comprehensive framework for brain data governance and a conceptual expansion of neuroethics.
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Ahram M, Abdelgawad F, ElHafeez SA, Abdelhafiz AS, Ibrahim ME, Elgamri A, Mohammed Z, El-Rhazi K, Elsebaie E, Gamel E, Shahouri M, Mostafa NT, Adarmouch L, Silverman H. Perceptions, attitudes, and willingness of the public in low- and middle-income countries of the Arab region to participate in biobank research. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:122. [PMID: 36457067 PMCID: PMC9713115 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00855-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Population-based genomics studies have proven successful in identifying genetic variants associated with diseases. High-quality biospecimens linked with informative health data from diverse segments of the population have made such research possible. However, the success of biobank research depends on the willingness of the public to participate in this type of research. We aimed to explore the factors associated with the willingness of the public to participate in biobank research from four low- and middle-income countries in the Arab region (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Sudan). We used a previously validated questionnaire to assess several constructs that included the public's perceptions, attitudes, and willingness to participate in biobank research. We recruited 967 participants. More than half did not have prior awareness of biobanks. Participants' willingness to donate biospecimens and health data was less than 10%. Our results also showed that participants harbored concerns with trust, privacy, and with data-sharing involving international researchers. Predictors of willingness to participate in biobank research included no previous involvement in research and positive attitudes toward biobanks. Finally, our study showed several differences between the four countries regarding several of the investigated constructs. We conclude there should be additional efforts to raise public awareness and enhance perceptions of the public in biobanking research to enhance trust. We further recommend qualitative research to explore the underlying factors that contribute to the public's concerns with international data sharing that would enhance global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoun Ahram
- grid.9670.80000 0001 2174 4509School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Fatma Abdelgawad
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samar Abd ElHafeez
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Maha Emad Ibrahim
- grid.33003.330000 0000 9889 5690Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Alya Elgamri
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zeinab Mohammed
- grid.411662.60000 0004 0412 4932Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Karima El-Rhazi
- Faculty of Medicine of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Eman Elsebaie
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ehsan Gamel
- grid.9763.b0000 0001 0674 6207Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | - Latifa Adarmouch
- grid.411840.80000 0001 0664 9298Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Henry Silverman
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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Tiller JM, Bakshi A, Brotchie AR, Green RC, Winship IM, Lacaze P. Public willingness to participate in population DNA screening in Australia. J Med Genet 2022:jmg-2022-108921. [DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundPopulation-based DNA screening for medically actionable conditions has the potential to improve public health by enabling early detection, treatment and/or prevention; however, public attitudes and willingness to participate in DNA screening have not been well investigated.MethodsWe presented a scenario to members of the Australian public, randomly selected from the electoral roll via the Australian Survey of Societal Attitudes, describing an adult population DNA screening programme currently under development, to detect risk of medically actionable cancers and heart disease. We asked questions regarding willingness to participate and pay, preferred delivery methods and concerns.ResultsWe received 1060 completed questionnaires (response rate 23%, mean age 58 years). The vast majority (>92%) expressed willingness to undertake DNA screening. When asked about the optimal age of screening, most (56%) favoured early adulthood (aged 18–40 years) rather than at birth or childhood. Many respondents would prefer samples and data be kept for re-screening (36%) or research use (43%); some preferred samples to be destroyed (21%). Issues that decrease likelihood of participation included privacy (75%) and insurance (86%) implications.ConclusionOur study demonstrates public willingness to participate in population DNA screening in Australia, and identifies barriers to participation, to be addressed in the design of screening programmes. Results are informing the development of a pilot national DNA screening programme.
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Hermansen A, Regier DA, Pollard S. Developing Data Sharing Models for Health Research with Real-World Data: A Scoping Review of Patient and Public Preferences. J Med Syst 2022; 46:86. [PMID: 36271208 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-022-01875-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
For researchers to realize the benefits of real-world data in healthcare requires broader access to patient data than is currently possible given siloed data systems. To facilitate evidence generation, infrastructure must support integrated data collection and sharing enabled by patient consent. Critical to the success of data sharing is to design secured data sharing platforms around patient preferences and expectations. The objective of this review was to characterize patient and public preferences for secured data sharing platforms and incentives to share real-world data for health research. We conducted a scoping review of the data sharing and health informatics literature capturing patient and public values for data sharing platforms and incentivization. We searched Embase and Medline (OVID) databases for primary data studies. Two reviewers participated in study selection and data abstraction. Findings were summarized according to preference frequency within each major theme. The final search produced 253 articles. After screening, 12 articles were included for data extraction. Two studies discussed preferences for data sharing platforms, 7 discussed incentives preferences, and 3 addressed both. We identified considerable variation of patient and public preferences according to preferred consent mechanisms and level of control, willingness to trade off risks and benefits, and the type of incentivization appropriate to offer for participation. This preference variation informs the conditions under which individuals may be willing to engage with secured data sharing platforms to support research. Our findings indicate that platforms will need to be flexible to meet the diverse preferences of users and facilitate uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hermansen
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dean A Regier
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada
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Toussaint PA, Renner M, Lins S, Thiebes S, Sunyaev A. Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing on Social Media: Topic Modeling and Sentiment Analysis of YouTube Users' Comments. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:e38749. [PMID: 37113449 PMCID: PMC10014090 DOI: 10.2196/38749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Background With direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing enabling self-responsible access to novel information on ancestry, traits, or health, consumers often turn to social media for assistance and discussion. YouTube, the largest social media platform for videos, offers an abundance of DTC genetic testing-related videos. Nevertheless, user discourse in the comments sections of these videos is largely unexplored. Objective This study aims to address the lack of knowledge concerning user discourse in the comments sections of DTC genetic testing-related videos on YouTube by exploring topics discussed and users' attitudes toward these videos. Methods We employed a 3-step research approach. First, we collected metadata and comments of the 248 most viewed DTC genetic testing-related videos on YouTube. Second, we conducted topic modeling using word frequency analysis, bigram analysis, and structural topic modeling to identify topics discussed in the comments sections of those videos. Finally, we employed Bing (binary), National Research Council Canada (NRC) emotion, and 9-level sentiment analysis to identify users' attitudes toward these DTC genetic testing-related videos, as expressed in their comments. Results We collected 84,082 comments from the 248 most viewed DTC genetic testing-related YouTube videos. With topic modeling, we identified 6 prevailing topics on (1) general genetic testing, (2) ancestry testing, (3) relationship testing, (4) health and trait testing, (5) ethical concerns, and (6) YouTube video reaction. Further, our sentiment analysis indicates strong positive emotions (anticipation, joy, surprise, and trust) and a neutral-to-positive attitude toward DTC genetic testing-related videos. Conclusions With this study, we demonstrate how to identify users' attitudes on DTC genetic testing by examining topics and opinions based on YouTube video comments. Shedding light on user discourse on social media, our findings suggest that users are highly interested in DTC genetic testing and related social media content. Nonetheless, with this novel market constantly evolving, service providers, content providers, or regulatory authorities may still need to adapt their services to users' interests and desires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp A Toussaint
- Department of Economics and Management Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe Germany
- HIDSS4Health - Helmholtz Information and Data Science School for Health Karlsruhe/Heidelberg Germany
| | - Maximilian Renner
- Department of Economics and Management Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Sebastian Lins
- Department of Economics and Management Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Scott Thiebes
- Department of Economics and Management Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Ali Sunyaev
- Department of Economics and Management Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe Germany
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Pennestrì F, Banfi G. Artificial intelligence in laboratory medicine: fundamental ethical issues and normative key-points. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 60:1867-1874. [PMID: 35413163 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of laboratory medicine in delivering value-based care depends on active cooperation and trust between pathologist and clinician. The effectiveness of medicine more in general depends in turn on active cooperation and trust between clinician and patient. From the second half of the 20th century, the art of medicine is challenged by the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, recently showing comparable performances to flesh-and-bone doctors in some diagnostic specialties. Being the principle source of data in medicine, the laboratory is a natural ground where AI technologies can disclose the best of their potential. In order to maximize the expected outcomes and minimize risks, it is crucial to define ethical requirements for data collection and interpretation by-design, clarify whether they are enhanced or challenged by specific uses of AI technologies, and preserve these data under rigorous but feasible norms. From 2018 onwards, the European Commission (EC) is making efforts to lay the foundations of sustainable AI development among European countries and partners, both from a cultural and a normative perspective. Alongside with the work of the EC, the United Kingdom provided worthy-considering complementary advice in order to put science and technology at the service of patients and doctors. In this paper we discuss the main ethical challenges associated with the use of AI technologies in pathology and laboratory medicine, and summarize the most pertaining key-points from the guidelines and frameworks before-mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Banfi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Lombardia, Italy.,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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McCormick JB, Hopkins M, Lehman EB, Green MJ. Mining the Data: Exploring Rural Patients' Attitudes about the Use of Their Personal Information in Research. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2022; 13:89-106. [PMID: 35271430 PMCID: PMC10038193 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2022.2040644] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines rural patients' perceived importance of knowing or being consulted about researchers' access and use of their personal data (identifiable and de-identified health information, and identifiable and de-identified non-health information) across five scenarios. This study also examines their views on stewardship or governance of their personal information by researchers in their healthcare systems. METHODS We conducted a survey by mail. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted across each scenario and type of personal data with the same variables included in each model. RESULTS The majority of participants said it was "very important/absolutely essential" to know the purpose of the study, to be asked every time, and to know the policies governing researcher access and use of their identifiable health information. Just over two-thirds of respondents thought it "very important/absolutely essential" to know who serves on the data governance committee and to have a community member serve. Distrust in healthcare organizations was positively correlated with the scenarios while willingness to give permission to donate leftover biological specimens was negatively correlated. CONCLUSION Our study findings indicate that the type of personal information being accessed and used generally matters to 1,407 patients living in rural Pennsylvania. We also demonstrate that knowing their healthcare organizations' governance policies and practices for managing their personal data is important to many rural Pennsylvania patients. Biomedical researchers need to recognize and attend to those differences as much as possible in order to expand opportunities for and participation in research by residents of these rural communities. Supplemental data for this article is available online at.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B McCormick
- Department of Humanities, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Hopkins
- Department of Humanities, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Erik B Lehman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Green
- Department of Humanities, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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13
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Kostick-Quenet K, Mandl KD, Minssen T, Cohen IG, Gasser U, Kohane I, McGuire AL. How NFTs could transform health information exchange. Science 2022; 375:500-502. [PMID: 35113709 PMCID: PMC10111125 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth D Mandl
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timo Minssen
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Biomedical Innovation Law (CeBIL), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Urs Gasser
- School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isaac Kohane
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Toussaint PA, Thiebes S, Schmidt-Kraepelin M, Sunyaev A. Perceived fairness of direct-to-consumer genetic testing business models. ELECTRONIC MARKETS 2022; 32:1621-1638. [PMID: 35874303 PMCID: PMC9294841 DOI: 10.1007/s12525-022-00571-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Although consumers and experts often express concerns regarding the questionable business practices of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services (e.g., reselling of consumers' genetic data), the DTC genetic testing market keeps expanding rapidly. We employ retail fairness as our theoretical lens to address this seeming paradox and conduct a discrete choice experiment with 16 attributes to better understand consumers' fairness perceptions of DTC genetic testing business models. Our results suggest that, while consumers perceive privacy-preserving DTC genetic testing services fairer, price is the main driver for fairness perception. We contribute to research on consumer perceptions of DTC genetic testing by investigating consumer preferences of DTC genetic testing business models and respective attributes. Further, this research contributes to knowledge about disruptive business models in healthcare and retail fairness by contextualizing the concept of retail fairness in the DTC genetic testing market. We also demonstrate how to utilize discrete choice experiments to elicit perceived fairness. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12525-022-00571-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp A. Toussaint
- Department of Economics and Management, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 89, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Scott Thiebes
- Department of Economics and Management, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 89, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Manuel Schmidt-Kraepelin
- Department of Economics and Management, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 89, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ali Sunyaev
- Department of Economics and Management, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 89, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
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15
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Zhang S, Johnson RA, Novembre J, Freeland E, Conley D. Public attitudes toward genetic risk scoring in medicine and beyond. Soc Sci Med 2021; 274:113796. [PMID: 33684700 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Advances in genomics research have led to the development of polygenic risk scores, which numerically summarize genetic predispositions for a wide array of human outcomes. Initially developed to characterize disease risk, polygenic risk scores can now be calculated for many non-disease traits and social outcomes, with the potential to be used not only in health care but also other institutional domains. In this study, we draw on a nationally-representative survey of U.S. adults to examine three sets of lay attitudes toward the deployment of genetic risk scores in a variety of medical and non-medical domains: 1. abstract belief about whether people should be judged on the basis of genetic predispositions; 2. concrete attitudes about whether various institutions should be permitted to use genetic information; and 3. personal willingness to provide genetic information to various institutions. Results demonstrate two striking differences across these three sets of attitudes. First, despite almost universal agreement that people should not be judged based on genetics, there is support, albeit varied, for institutions being permitted to use genetic information, with support highest for disease outcomes and in reproductive decision-making. We further find significant variation in personal willingness to provide such information, with a majority of respondents expressing willingness to provide information to health care providers and relative finder services, but less than a quarter expressing willingness to do so for an array of other institutions and services. Second, while there are no demographic differences in respondents' abstract beliefs about judging based on genetics, demographic differences emerge in permissibility ratings and personal willingness. Our results should inform debates about the deployment of polygenic scores in domains within and beyond medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Zhang
- Princeton University, Department of Sociology, 107 Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Rebecca A Johnson
- Dartmouth College, Quantitative Social Science and affiliate, Sociology, 301E Blunt Hall, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - John Novembre
- University of Chicago, Department of Human Genetics, 920 E 58th Street, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA.
| | - Edward Freeland
- Princeton University, Survey Research Center, 169 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ, 08542, USA.
| | - Dalton Conley
- Princeton University, Department of Sociology and Office of Population Research, 157 Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA; National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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Jackson BR, Ye Y, Crawford JM, Becich MJ, Roy S, Botkin JR, de Baca ME, Pantanowitz L. The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine: Principles and Practice. Acad Pathol 2021; 8:2374289521990784. [PMID: 33644301 PMCID: PMC7894680 DOI: 10.1177/2374289521990784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing numbers of artificial intelligence applications are being developed and applied to pathology and laboratory medicine. These technologies introduce risks and benefits that must be assessed and managed through the lens of ethics. This article describes how long-standing principles of medical and scientific ethics can be applied to artificial intelligence using examples from pathology and laboratory medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. Jackson
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ye Ye
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James M. Crawford
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Michael J. Becich
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Somak Roy
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Botkin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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