. 2022 Oct 24:13:919134.

doi: 10.3389/fgene.2022.919134. eCollection 2022.

Attitudes of Australian dermatologists on the use of genetic testing: A cross-sectional survey with a focus on melanoma

Clare A Primiero¹, Amy M Baker², Courtney K Wallingford¹, Ellie J Maas¹, Tatiane Yanes¹, Lindsay Fowles³, Monika Janda⁴, Mary-Anne Young^{5

6}, Amy Nisselle^{7

8}, Bronwyn Terrill^{5

6}, Jason M Lodge⁹, Jane M Tiller¹⁰, Paul Lacaze¹⁰, Hayley Andersen¹¹, Gemma McErlean^{12

13}, Erin Turbitt², H Peter Soyer^{1

14}, Aideen M McInerney-Leo¹

Affiliations

¹ The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
² Discipline of Genetic Counselling, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
³ Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
⁴ Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
⁵ Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁶ Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁷ Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
⁸ Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
⁹ School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
¹⁰ Public Health Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
¹¹ Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network, Carlton, VIC, Australia.
¹² SWS Nursing and Midwifery Research Alliance, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
¹³ School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
¹⁴ Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

PMID: 36353112
PMCID: PMC9638172
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.919134

Attitudes of Australian dermatologists on the use of genetic testing: A cross-sectional survey with a focus on melanoma

Clare A Primiero et al. Front Genet. 2022.

. 2022 Oct 24:13:919134.

doi: 10.3389/fgene.2022.919134. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
² Discipline of Genetic Counselling, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
³ Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
⁴ Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
⁵ Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁶ Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁷ Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
⁸ Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
⁹ School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
¹⁰ Public Health Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
¹¹ Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network, Carlton, VIC, Australia.
¹² SWS Nursing and Midwifery Research Alliance, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
¹³ School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
¹⁴ Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

PMID: 36353112
PMCID: PMC9638172
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.919134

Abstract

Background: Melanoma genetic testing reportedly increases preventative behaviour without causing psychological harm. Genetic testing for familial melanoma risk is now available, yet little is known about dermatologists' perceptions regarding the utility of testing and genetic testing ordering behaviours. Objectives: To survey Australasian Dermatologists on the perceived utility of genetic testing, current use in practice, as well as their confidence and preferences for the delivery of genomics education. Methods: A 37-item survey, based on previously validated instruments, was sent to accredited members of the Australasian College of Dermatologists in March 2021. Quantitative items were analysed statistically, with one open-ended question analysed qualitatively. Results: The response rate was 56% (256/461), with 60% (153/253) of respondents between 11 and 30 years post-graduation. While 44% (112/252) of respondents agreed, or strongly agreed, that genetic testing was relevant to their practice today, relevance to future practice was reported significantly higher at 84% (212/251) (t = -9.82, p < 0.001). Ninety three percent (235/254) of respondents reported rarely or never ordering genetic testing. Dermatologists who viewed genetic testing as relevant to current practice were more likely to have discussed (p < 0.001) and/or offered testing (p < 0.001). Respondents indicated high confidence in discussing family history of melanoma, but lower confidence in ordering genetic tests and interpreting results. Eighty four percent (207/247) believed that genetic testing could negatively impact life insurance, while only 26% (63/244) were aware of the moratorium on using genetic test results in underwriting in Australia. A minority (22%, 55/254) reported prior continuing education in genetics. Face-to-face courses were the preferred learning modality for upskilling. Conclusion: Australian Dermatologists widely recognise the relevance of genetic testing to future practice, yet few currently order genetic tests. Future educational interventions could focus on how to order appropriate genetic tests and interpret results, as well as potential implications on insurance.

Keywords: dermatology; familial melanoma; genetics; genomics; mainstreaming.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

HS is a shareholder of MoleMap NZ Limited and e-derm consult GmbH, and undertakes regular teledermatological reporting for both companies. HS is a Medical Consultant for Canfield Scientific Inc., MoleMap Australia Pty Ltd., Blaze Bioscience Inc., Revenio Research Oy and a Medical Advisor for First Derm. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

**FIGURE 1**
Respondents reported confidence in basic genetic skills.

See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Attitudes of Australian dermatologists on the use of genetic testing: A cross-sectional survey with a focus on melanoma

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Attitudes of Australian dermatologists on the use of genetic testing: A cross-sectional survey with a focus on melanoma

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Abstract

Conflict of interest statement

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