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. 2015 Jan 1;12(1):13-22.
doi: 10.2217/pme.14.74.

Consumer familiarity, perspectives and expected value of personalized medicine with a focus on applications in oncology

Susan Garfeld  1 , Michael P Douglas  2 , Karen V MacDonald  3 , Deborah A Marshall  3 , Kathryn A Phillips  2
Affiliations

Consumer familiarity, perspectives and expected value of personalized medicine with a focus on applications in oncology

Susan Garfeld et al. Per Med. .

Abstract

Aims: Knowledge of consumer perspectives of personalized medicine (PM) is limited. Our study assessed consumer perspectives of PM, with a focus on oncology care, to inform industry, clinician and payer stakeholders' programs and policy.

Materials & methods: A nationally representative survey of 602 US consumers' ≥30 years old explored familiarity, perspectives and expected value of PM.

Results: Most (73%) respondents have not heard of 'personalized medicine,' though after understanding the term most (95%) expect PM to have a positive beneft. Consumer's willingness to pay is associated with products' impact on survival, rather than predicting disease risk. If testing indicates consumers are not candidates for oncology therapies, most (84%) would seek a second opinion or want therapy anyway.

Conclusions: Understanding heterogeneity in consumer perspectives of PM can inform program and policy development.

Keywords: consumers; education; knowledge; oncology; personalized medicine; perspectives; value.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Understanding personalized medicine term and knowledge
All responses were based on a 1–7 Likert scale, with 1 being ‘not at all knowledgeable’ and 7 being ‘very knowledgeable’.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Consumers expected impact on healthcare costs in the USA
All responses were based on a Likert scale of personalized medicine's expected impact on healthcare costs, with 1 being ‘significantly decrease’ and 7 being ‘significantly increase’ PM: Personalized medicine.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Interest in genetic testing with and without cost prompt, by respondent's insurance type
Figure 4
Figure 4. Interest in and amount willing to pay out-of-pocket for blood test if diagnosed with cancer with varying survival rates
All responses were based on a 1–7 Likert scale with 1 being ‘not at all Interested’ and 7 being ‘very interested’
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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