1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tommel J, Kenis D, Lambrechts N, Brohet RM, Swysen J, Mollen L, Hoefmans MJF, Pusparum M, Evers AWM, Ertaylan G, Roos M, Hens K, Houwink EJF. Personal Genomes in Practice: Exploring Citizen and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on Personalized Genomic Medicine and Personal Health Data Spaces Using a Mixed-Methods Design. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040786. [PMID: 37107544 PMCID: PMC10137790 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040786] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing health challenges, such as the increased global burden of chronic disease, are increasingly answered by calls for personalized approaches to healthcare. Genomic medicine, a vital component of these personalization strategies, is applied in risk assessment, prevention, prognostication, and therapeutic targeting. However, several practical, ethical, and technological challenges remain. Across Europe, Personal Health Data Space (PHDS) projects are under development aiming to establish patient-centered, interoperable data ecosystems balancing data access, control, and use for individual citizens to complement the research and commercial focus of the European Health Data Space provisions. The current study explores healthcare users’ and health care professionals’ perspectives on personalized genomic medicine and PHDS solutions, in casu the Personal Genetic Locker (PGL). A mixed-methods design was used, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Several meta-themes were generated from the data: (i) participants were interested in genomic information; (ii) participants valued data control, robust infrastructure, and sharing data with non-commercial stakeholders; (iii) autonomy was a central concern for all participants; (iv) institutional and interpersonal trust were highly significant for genomic medicine; and (v) participants encouraged the implementation of PHDSs since PHDSs were thought to promote the use of genomic data and enhance patients’ control over their data. To conclude, we formulated several facilitators to implement genomic medicine in healthcare based on the perspectives of a diverse set of stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Tommel
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (D.K.)
| | - Daan Kenis
- Department of Philosophy, University of Antwerp, Rodestraat 14, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (D.K.)
| | | | - Richard M. Brohet
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Isala Hospital, Dokter van Heesweg 2, 8025 AB Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Murih Pusparum
- VITO Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
- Data Science Institute, I-Biostat, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Andrea W. M. Evers
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marco Roos
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kristien Hens
- Department of Philosophy, University of Antwerp, Rodestraat 14, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elisa J. F. Houwink
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 221 Fourth Avenue SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care (PHEG), Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Handra J, Guimond C, Jordan I, Lenahan B, Ohs K, Beauchesne R, Adam S, Friedman JM, Birch P. A personalized genomic results e-booklet, co-designed and pilot-tested by families. PEC INNOVATION 2022; 1:100039. [PMID: 37213729 PMCID: PMC10194288 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective To develop and evaluate a personalizable genomic results e-booklet that helps families understand their genomic testing results and navigate available resources. Methods The need for the Genomics Results e-Booklet was identified by families, after which this tool was developed by a team of clinical researchers and three parent-advisors. We customized the genomic results e-booklet for 50 families participating in a genomic sequencing research study. We conducted an assessment using a 19-question survey and semi-structured interviews to elicit feedback and iteratively improve the tool. Results 25 users provided feedback via questionnaires and seven respondents were interviewed. Genomic Results e-Booklet recipients responded favorably: 96% of participants stated that it helped them remember information shared during their results appointment, 80% said it had or would help them communicate their results with other healthcare providers, 68% felt that it helped to identify and guide their next steps, and 72% anticipated that the e-booklet would have future utility. Conclusion The Genomic Results e-Booklet is a patient and family-oriented resource that complements post-test genetic counselling. Innovation Compared to traditional laboratory reports and clinical letters, the Genomics Results e-Booklet is patient-conceived and patient-centered, and allows clinicians to efficiently personalize content and prioritize patient understanding and support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Handra
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | - Colleen Guimond
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | | | | | - Kelsey Ohs
- Parent Research Advisor, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rhea Beauchesne
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Shelin Adam
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jan M. Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Patricia Birch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cakici JA, Dimmock DP, Caylor SA, Gaughran M, Clarke C, Triplett C, Clark MM, Kingsmore SF, Bloss CS. A Prospective Study of Parental Perceptions of Rapid Whole-Genome and -Exome Sequencing among Seriously Ill Infants. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 107:953-962. [PMID: 33157008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid diagnostic genomic sequencing recently became feasible for infants in intensive care units (ICUs). However, research regarding parents' perceived utility, adequacy of consent, and potential harms and benefits is lacking. Herein we report results of parental surveys of these domains from the second Newborn Sequencing in Genomic Medicine and Public Health (NSIGHT2) study, a randomized, controlled trial of rapid diagnostic genomic sequencing of infants in regional ICUs. More than 90% of parents reported feeling adequately informed to consent to diagnostic genomic sequencing. Despite only 23% (27) of 117 infants receiving genomic diagnoses, 97% (156) of 161 parents reported that testing was at least somewhat useful and 50.3% (88/161) reported no decisional regret (median 0, mean 10, range 0-100). Five of 117 families (4.3%) reported harm. Upon follow-up, one (1%) confirmed harm to child and parent related to negative results/no diagnosis, two (2%) reported stress or confusion, and two (2%) denied harm. In 81% (89) of 111 infants, families and clinicians agreed that genomic results were useful. Of the families for whom clinicians perceived harm from genomic testing, no parents reported harm. Positive tests/genomic diagnosis were more frequently perceived to be useful by parents, to benefit their infant, and to help manage potential symptoms (p < .05). In summary, the large majority of parents felt that first-tier, rapid, diagnostic genomic sequencing was beneficial for infants lacking etiologic diagnoses in ICUs. Most parents in this study perceived being adequately informed to consent, understood their child's results, and denied regret or harm from undergoing sequencing.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lewis C, Hammond J, Hill M, Searle B, Hunter A, Patch C, Chitty LS, Sanderson SC. Young people's understanding, attitudes and involvement in decision-making about genome sequencing for rare diseases: A qualitative study with participants in the UK 100, 000 Genomes Project. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:104043. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.104043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
6
|
Bick D, Jones M, Taylor SL, Taft RJ, Belmont J. Case for genome sequencing in infants and children with rare, undiagnosed or genetic diseases. J Med Genet 2019; 56:783-791. [PMID: 31023718 PMCID: PMC6929710 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Up to 350 million people worldwide suffer from a rare disease, and while the individual diseases are rare, in aggregate they represent a substantial challenge to global health systems. The majority of rare disorders are genetic in origin, with children under the age of five disproportionately affected. As these conditions are difficult to identify clinically, genetic and genomic testing have become the backbone of diagnostic testing in this population. In the last 10 years, next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled testing of multiple disease genes simultaneously, ranging from targeted gene panels to exome sequencing (ES) and genome sequencing (GS). GS is quickly becoming a practical first-tier test, as cost decreases and performance improves. A growing number of studies demonstrate that GS can detect an unparalleled range of pathogenic abnormalities in a single laboratory workflow. GS has the potential to deliver unbiased, rapid and accurate molecular diagnoses to patients across diverse clinical indications and complex presentations. In this paper, we discuss clinical indications for testing and historical testing paradigms. Evidence supporting GS as a diagnostic tool is supported by superior genomic coverage, types of pathogenic variants detected, simpler laboratory workflow enabling shorter turnaround times, diagnostic and reanalysis yield, and impact on healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Bick
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Marilyn Jones
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rubanovich CK, Cheung C, Torkamani A, Bloss CS. Physician Communication of Genomic Results in a Diagnostic Odyssey Case Series. Pediatrics 2019; 143:S44-S53. [PMID: 30600271 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-1099i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The availability of whole genome sequencing (WGS) is increasing in clinical care, and WGS is a promising tool in diagnostic odyssey cases. Physicians' ability to effectively communicate genomic information with patients, however, is unclear. In this multiperspective study, we assessed physicians' communication of patient genome sequencing information in a diagnostic odyssey case series. METHODS We evaluated physician communication of genome sequencing results in the context of an ongoing study of the utility of WGS for the diagnosis of rare and idiopathic diseases. A modified version of the Medical Communication Competence Scale was used to compare patients' ratings of their physicians' communication of general medical information to communication of genome sequencing information. Physician self-ratings were also compared with patient ratings. RESULTS A total of 47 patients, parents, and physicians across 11 diagnostic odyssey cases participated. In 6 of 11 cases (54%), the patient respondent rated the physician's communication of genome sequencing information as worse than that of general medical information. In 9 of 11 cases (82%), physician self-ratings of communication of genome sequencing information were worse than the patient respondent's rating. Identification of a diagnosis via WGS was positively associated with physician self-ratings (P = .021) but was not associated with patient respondent ratings (P = .959). CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that even in diagnostic odyssey cases, in which genome sequencing may be clinically beneficial, physicians may not be well-equipped to communicate genomic information to patients. Future studies may benefit from multiperspective approaches to assessing and understanding physician-patient communication of genome-sequencing information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Kseniya Rubanovich
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA
| | | | - Ali Torkamani
- Scripps Genomic Medicine Division, Scripps Translational Science Institute, Scripps Health, La Jolla, CA.,Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA; and
| | - Cinnamon S Bloss
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hull LE, Vassy JL. Toward greater understanding of patient decision-making around genome sequencing. Per Med 2018; 15:57-66. [PMID: 29714114 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2017-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In the era of next-generation sequencing, it is essential to collect and understand the patient outcomes that result from this new technology. One critical determinant of these is the process by which individuals first decide whether and how to pursue genome sequencing. In this perspective article, we examine the literature on adult patient decision-making in genome sequencing and identify current research gaps to address. Several studies have explored the motivations and concerns of patients undergoing sequencing; less attention has been paid to those who decline sequencing or to individuals from lower socioeconomic groups. Many factors that might play a role in the decision to pursue or decline sequencing, including trust, family dynamics and barriers to access, have yet to be explored fully. Future research that captures the experience of the wider population will produce a more generalizable understanding of the clinical, psychosocial, and economic outcomes of pursuing or declining sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leland E Hull
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.,Section of General Internal Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Jason L Vassy
- Section of General Internal Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Division of General Medicine & Primary Care, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|