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Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of risk in the context of genetic testing for the prediction of chronic disease: a qualitative metasynthesis

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  • Marie Falahee
  • Gwenda Simons
  • Karim Raza
  • Rebecca J. Stack

Abstract

Advances in genomic technologies and a growing trend towards stratified and preventive approaches to medicine mean that increasing numbers of individuals may have access to information about their genetic makeup, and their risk of developing diseases. This is likely to impact on healthcare professionals involved in the delivery of genetic tests, or in supporting patients who are affected by a disease with a genetic risk factor. It is therefore important to understand healthcare professionals’ perceptions about providing these services, and how they feel about communicating information about genetic risk to patients. This paper provides a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative research exploring healthcare professionals’ perceptions of genetic risk in the context of predictive genetic testing for chronic disease. Healthcare professionals expressed a range of reservations about the utility of predictive testing in this context. Professionals judged patients’ understanding of risk information to be limited and subject to bias and a range of sociocultural influences. Concerns about the psychosocial impact of genetic risk information were frequently cited, both in relation to individual patients and the wider impact on their families and communities. The need for provision of multidisciplinary support was described. The concept of responsibility was also an important theme. Healthcare professionals recognized the responsibility that accompanies risk knowledge, and that ultimately this responsibility lies with the patient, not the provider. Our analysis suggests that professionals’ evaluation of the utility of predictive genetic testing is influenced not only by resource deficits, but may also be interpreted as a response to challenging ethical and social issues associated with genetic risk, that are not well aligned with current medical practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Marie Falahee & Gwenda Simons & Karim Raza & Rebecca J. Stack, 2018. "Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of risk in the context of genetic testing for the prediction of chronic disease: a qualitative metasynthesis," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(2), pages 129-166, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:21:y:2018:i:2:p:129-166
    DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2016.1153503
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miller, Fiona Alice & Giacomini, Mita & Ahern, Catherine, 2008. "Contending visions in the evolution of genetic medicine: The case of cancer genetic services in Ontario, Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(1), pages 152-160, July.
    2. Salmon, Peter & Hall, George M, 2003. "Patient empowerment and control: a psychological discourse in the service of medicine," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(10), pages 1969-1980, November.
    3. Will, Catherine M. & Armstrong, David & Marteau, Theresa M., 2010. "Genetic unexceptionalism: Clinician accounts of genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolaemia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(5), pages 910-917, September.
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