Public Health Genomics最新文献

Background: Though genomic science has rapidly advanced, efforts to demonstrate the population-level utility of genomics have been slow to follow. It has long been argued that the family is an important unit of significance in genomics, yet it has been challenging to address this in clinical care. This is apparent in how hospital administrators and clinicians in the United States typically approach cascade screening, the process of notifying and offering genetic testing to at-risk relatives of a patient with a hereditary condition. The most common notification approach is proband-led contact, in which the index patient is responsible for communicating a health risk to their relatives. This model has been associated with suboptimal outcomes. In contrast, recent research has shown that system-led contact, in which healthcare or public health institutions initiate communication to relatives with the proband's consent, has been associated with increased clinical utility and acceptability.

Summary: With the needs of hospital administrators and clinicians in mind, we revisit normative questions about the appropriate way to notify relatives about their potentially elevated risk of developing an actionable disease. We review evidence demonstrating that system-led direct contact of relatives is feasible and acceptable. We further argue that system-led contact of relatives eligible for cascade screening is ethically justified if these programs are designed with public input, have an opt-out provision, and are implemented for conditions that meet specific criteria which we propose in this article.

Key messages: In this article, we emphasize the usefulness of public health ethics frameworks to inform the design of system-led contact programs. Beyond this, we make the case that such programs are necessary to realize the population utility of genomic medicine equitably.

Introduction: In October 2020, a national rapid prenatal exome sequencing (pES) service was rolled out across the English National Health Service (NHS). This service is delivered by multiple clinical and two laboratory teams. While there was high level national guidance to support implementation, it was unclear how the service had been delivered in practice. This study evaluated pES service implementation across England, using the major system change (MSC) framework to explore links between implementation approaches and outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a national mixed-methods multi-site study of 17 clinical genomics services, their linked fetal medicine services and two laboratories delivering the pES service. The MSC framework informed the study. Key documents, semi-structured interviews (eight national service developers, 55 staff), and surveys (n = 159 staff) were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings were integrated.

Results: Implementation was influenced by a range of factors including evidence of benefit, laboratory service reconfiguration, and stakeholder support. Local implementation approaches varied; seven models of service delivery were identified. Key differences between models included leadership, staffing, and multidisciplinary team approaches. Local staff factors (e.g., time, capacity, attitudes), pES service factors (e.g., communication/collaboration, logistics), and organisational factors (e.g., infrastructure and previous experience) influenced implementation.

Conclusion: We have identified multiple barriers and facilitators that are associated with implementing a major change to genomic services in a complex national healthcare system. This study highlights which models of pES may work in practice and why. Findings will inform future development of the pES service.

Introduction: Despite guidelines discouraging pediatric genetic testing for adult-onset hereditary cancer risk, direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies make them available to children's parents. This study examined the perspectives of high-risk parents toward such testing.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with N = 30 parents (children ages 10-21) carrying pathogenic variants in cancer-causing genes available for detection through DTC tests. Interviews were analyzed inductively using a standardized methodology to identify prominent themes.

Results: Three major themes were identified: (1) high-risk parents' motivations for pediatric genetic testing, (2) risks and benefits of pediatric genetic testing, and (3) parental involvement of children in decision-making about testing. Although only n = 5 parents (17% of the sample) reported that their children were genetically tested (n = 3 through a DTC company, n = 2 through a clinician), 73% endorsed pediatric genetic testing for general health reasons. Many parents (53%) expressed a preference for clinical testing over DTC testing. While parents recognized the limits of DTC testing, some (40%) expressed that it should remain available to high-risk parents for the purpose of identifying cancer risks in their children. Children's maturity (70%), interest in testing (77%), and anticipated responses to testing (43%) were cited as important decisional considerations.

Conclusion: Few high-risk parents utilized DTC testing for their children. Parents generally preferred the prospect of clinical testing, but some believed DTC testing should be an option available to families. Clinicians should discuss the risks and benefits of pediatric genetic testing, including DTC, with high-risk parents. This may facilitate more informed decision-making that minimizes potential harms.

Introduction: The National Health Service (NHS) in England is the first to offer whole genome sequencing (WGS) as part of standard care. As a high-income country with a universal healthcare system, England contributes a valuable perspective to global developments in WGS.

Methods: We used an implementation science approach with mixed methods to characterise delivery of WGS for paediatric rare diseases: observations and field notes of consent appointments in clinical genetics and mainstream settings and follow-up qualitative semi-structured interviews with the clinical team. Process maps were developed for each department to identify similarities and variations between sites and thematic analysis of interview data to understand barriers and facilitators.

Results: Data collection occurred in 12 departments (7 genetic, 3 neurology, 1 cardiology, and 1 general paediatric) across 7 NHS Trusts. 26 observations of 21 healthcare professionals were conducted, alongside 19 follow-up interviews. Two master maps were developed - one for clinical genetics and one for the mainstream. We identified 11 steps involved in delivering WGS, including 9 variations and 9 similarities. We identified most variation in the processes related to the "who," "when," "how," and "where" as these were aspects that could be adapted to fit into the specific set-up of the department. Barriers included reluctance to uptake in the mainstream and difficulties tracking samples.

Conclusion: Recommendations include developing standard operating procedures and hiring healthcare professionals responsible for facilitating consent alongside administrative aspects. These would reduce the burden on clinical geneticists and improve turnaround times as well as contribute to streamlining and standardisation of the service.

Introduction: Telehealth genetic counseling is comparable to in-person visits in terms of satisfaction, knowledge, and psychological outcomes, but using visual aids can be challenging on telehealth platforms. This pilot study assessed if the "screen-sharing" feature via Zoom to display visual aids during results disclosure sessions positively impacted parental experience and comprehension of their child's genomic results, especially in underrepresented groups and those with limited English proficiency.

Methods: In the TeleKidSeq pilot study, 409 children with suspected genetic conditions underwent genome sequencing. Families were randomized to receive genomic results via televisits with (ScrS) or without (NScrS) screen-sharing of visual aids. Spanish- or English-speaking parents/legal guardians completed surveys at three time points to assess perceived and objective understanding, perceived confidence, and telehealth experience. Regression models evaluated the effect of screen-sharing over time.

Results: Overall, understanding and telehealth experience ratings were high, with no significant differences between the ScrS (N = 192) and NScrS (N = 200) arms with regard to perceived (p = 0.32) or objective (p = 0.94) understanding, confidence (p = 0.14) over time, or telehealth experience (p = 0.10). When stratifying by sociodemographic characteristics and type of device used during results disclosure, we observed subtle differences in the effect of screen-sharing within some subgroups.

Conclusion: While screen-sharing had no significant impact on overall outcomes, we identified modest effects of screen-sharing within population groups that highlight the need for tailored communication strategies to ensure diverse, multilingual communities derive equitable benefit from telehealth-based genomic results disclosure. Future research is needed to determine whether certain types of visual aids best enhance genomic results disclosure in larger, more robust studies designed to detect smaller effects and subgroup differences.

Introduction: Given that PD-L1 is a crucial immune checkpoint in regulating T-cell responses, the aim of this study was to explore the impact of PD-L1 gene polymorphisms and the interaction with cooking with solid fuel on susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) in Chinese Han populations.

Methods: A total of 503 TB patients and 494 healthy controls were enrolled in this case-control study. Mass spectrometry technology was applied to genotype rs2297136 and rs4143815 of PD-L1 genes. The associations between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and TB were assessed using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Marginal structural linear odds models were used to estimate the gene-environment interactions.

Results: Compared with genotype CC, genotypes GG and CG+GG at rs4143815 locus were significantly associated with susceptibility to TB (OR: 3.074 and 1.506, respectively, p < 0.05). However, no statistical association was found between rs2297136 SNP and TB risk. Moreover, the relative excess risk of interaction between rs4143815 of the PD-L1 gene and cooking with solid fuel was 2.365 (95% CI: 1.922-2.809), suggesting positive interactions with TB susceptibility.

Conclusion: The rs4143815 polymorphism of the PD-L1 gene was associated with susceptibility to TB in Chinese Han populations. There were significantly positive interactions between rs4143815 and cooking with solid fuel.

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.

Introduction: As the utility of genomic sequencing increases, its use in healthcare will continue to expand beyond expert clinics toward nonspecialist practices such as primary care. At the same time, discordance in genetic variant identification and classification between laboratories remains a concern for the field. This research assesses how clinicians with and without genetics expertise understand and trust genetic test results, underscoring how variation in the handling of genetic test results can have real impact on patient care.

Methods: We conducted 40 interviews with genetics experts, including clinical geneticists and genetic counselors, and nonexpert clinicians including primary care providers and cardiologists.

Results: Clinical geneticists and genetic counselors reported spending significant time assessing the validity of results from genetic testing laboratories, conversing with laboratories about those results, and potentially reinterpreting results. Conversely, primary care providers and cardiologists without specific genetics expertise reported high levels of trust in laboratory accuracy and variant interpretation, and did not reassess results.

Conclusion: We find significant variation in how genetics experts and nonexperts understand the trustworthiness of genetic laboratory reports. This variation could lead to differences in patient care between clinical settings and requires additional guidance for clinicians regarding the handling of genetic test results.

Introduction: Despite growing calls for the explicit application of theory when designing behaviour change interventions, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of these methods compared to non-theoretical approaches. A cluster randomized controlled trial (Hide and Seek Project - HaSP) tested two implementation approaches for improving hereditary cancer referral practices with one key distinction: implementation strategies were designed based explicitly on psychological theory or based on stakeholder intuition. This study presents the detailed methods and resources used to facilitate this comparison, whilst examining the strategies generated through both approaches.

Methods: Across seven Australian hospitals, clinical stakeholders attended focus groups to co-design site-specific strategies for improving Lynch syndrome referral. Co-design methods differed according to trial arm. Implementation strategy content was examined, with intuitively derived strategies retrospectively coded to determine theoretical alignment.

Results: Fifty-one strategies were proposed across all sites (theory-based arm = 32, intuition-based arm = 19). Overall, nine behaviour change technique (BCT) categories were used on 77 occasions. In the theory-based trial arm, eight BCT categories were identified on 53 occasions; and five BCT categories on 24 occasions in the intuition-based arm. BCT categories were largely similar across both arms. After retrospectively coding intuitively derived strategies, 42% contained mechanistic links, thereby demonstrating theoretical alignment.

Conclusion: Methods facilitated robust comparison of theoretical and intuitive approaches to implementation strategy design. Recognizing the known benefits of theory for enhancing scientific learning, applying these methods on a larger scale may provide definitive evidence about the comparative effectiveness of theoretical approaches.