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. 2016 Sep;14(5):423-431.
doi: 10.2217/pme-2017-0008. Epub 2017 Sep 15.

Communication challenges for nongeneticist physicians relaying clinical genomic results

Nonie S Arora  1   1 , J Kelly Davis  2   3   2   3 , Christine Kirby  2   3   2   3 , Amy L McGuire  4   4 , Robert C Green  5   6   7   5   6   7 , J S Blumenthal-Barby  4   4 , Peter A Ubel  2   3   8   9   2   3   8   9 ; MedSeq Project
Affiliations

Communication challenges for nongeneticist physicians relaying clinical genomic results

Nonie S Arora et al. Per Med. 2016 Sep.

Abstract

Aim: Identify the behavioral challenges to the use of genome sequencing (GS) in a clinical setting.

Materials & methods: We observed how general internists and nongenetic specialists delivered GS results to patients enrolled in the MedSeq Project. Using transcripts of such disclosure interactions, we made qualitative observations of communication behaviors that could limit the usefulness of GS results until reaching the point of thematic saturation.

Results: Findings included confusion regarding genomic terminology, difficulty with the volume or complexity of information and difficulties communicating complex risk information to patients. We observed a broad dismissal of clinical value of GS by some physicians and sometimes ineffective communication regarding health behavior change.

Conclusion: Overcoming these behavioral challenges is necessary to make full use of clinical GS results.

Keywords: ELSI; behavior change; clinical genomics; genetic literacy; physician–patient communication; qualitative research; whole genome sequencing.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure The MedSeq Project is carried out as a collaborative study supported by the National Human Genome Research Institute U01-HG006500. Dr. Robert C Green receives compensation for speaking or consultation from AIA, GenePeeks, Helix, Illumina, Ohana, Prudential and Veritas; and is co-founder, advisor and equity holder in Genome Medical, Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

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