Co-Creating the Experience of Consent for Newborn Genome Sequencing: The Generation Study

Abstract

Introduction: The Generation Study (GS) aims to recruit 100,000 newborns in England to evaluate the utility and feasibility of using whole genome sequencing to screen for rare conditions that can be treated in early childhood; enable wider research to support further discovery in genomics and health; and explore the potential of storing an individual's genome over their lifetime. The GS incorporates complexities of consent in newborn screening, genomic medicine, and healthcare research, and there is a gap in exploring how to implement existing recommendations. Participant involvement has been shown to improve the implementation of processes and materials in healthcare. This paper describes how the GS team leveraged this through Design Research (DR) methodologies to develop the GS consent experience.

Methods: Over a 2-year period, 9 rounds of DR were undertaken with expectant and recent parents and a chosen partner (n = 105). Each round consisted of semi-structured interviews and a range of co-design and usability testing activities.

Results: DR activities highlighted areas for consideration for consent materials and processes. We describe common barriers and enablers across three stages of consent: awareness, consideration, and making an informed decision. As well as ensuring participants fully understand pros and cons of taking part, materials should consider pre-existing assumptions or misconceptions which may discourage parents from learning about the GS.

Conclusion: Involving parents in co-creation has broadened the perspective of what constitutes informed decision-making for newborn genome sequencing. Iterative rounds of research and design can provide tangible paths forward, supporting the successful implementation of informed decision-making.

Keywords: Co-design; Consent; Genomic newborn screening; Newborns; Next-generation sequencing; Patient and public involvement.