Back to CORE's website | CORE's blog stream
Research from CORE and Providence Genomics found that in a large genetic screening program, few patients discussed genetic screening results with a healthcare provider. Demographic and socioeconomic factors also played a role.
As the use of genetic screening rises in health care, are patients and their providers consistently discussing how to understand and act on the results? And what other factors might influence whether and how those conversations occur?
A recently published study by the Center for Outcomes Research & Education (CORE) and Providence Genomics sought to answer those questions with data from a large population-based genetic screening program.
Their research showed that few patients had follow-up discussions with their providers after receiving their genetic results. Discussion rates also varied across demographic and socioeconomic groups. These findings point to several opportunities for genetic screening programs.
Learn more below or read the peer-reviewed paper in the journal Genetics in Medicine.
Why genetic screening follow-up discussions matter
Genetic screening is an exciting frontier in medicine because it can help identify inherited disease risk and support more informed health care decisions. As the cost of genetic testing continues to decline, more health systems are exploring population-wide screening programs. Research such as Providence’s Geno4ME (Genomic Medicine for Everyone) study is helping guide these efforts.
However, testing and consultation with a genetic counselor are only the first steps. To fully realize the potential of precision medicine, patients must act on their results. That includes discussing them with their healthcare provider to make a plan of care. These crucial conversations guide follow-up care, screening, treatment decisions, and other next steps.
Who Discussed Their Results. And Who Didn't
The researchers surveyed 894 participants in the Providence Geno4ME genetic screening program who had received and reviewed their results. The study’s findings were striking:
- While nearly 9 in 10 reported a visit with their healthcare provider in the prior year, only 21% reported discussing their results with a provider, even though results were available to view in the electronic health record.
- Those with clinically actionable genetic results were more likely to discuss them with their provider (51%), but many still did not.
- The researchers also found differences in discussion rates around race/ethnicity and education level.
These and other findings from our study highlight an important opportunity for health systems, explains Lindsay Dickey, Senior Data Analyst at CORE:
“As genetic testing becomes more widely available, programs should focus on helping patients and providers talk about the results of these screenings. Better education, outreach, support, and culturally relevant approaches to care could also help more people benefit from advances in genetic medicine.”
To learn more, read the paper at Genetics in Medicine.
Related news & resources
- CORE partners with Providence on Genomics Study
- CORE examines methods to boost participation in cancer genetic testing
- Providence whole genome sequencing program shows transformative potential for population health
