PURPOSE: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is a new means of obtaining genetic testing outside of a traditional clinical setting. This study assesses genetic counselors' experience, knowledge, and beliefs regarding direct-to-consumer genetic testing for tests that would currently be offered in genetics clinics. METHODS: Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors completed a web-administered survey in February 2008. RESULTS: Response rate was 36%; the final data analysis included 312 respondents. Eighty-three percent of respondents had two or fewer inquiries about direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and 14% had received requests for test interpretation or discussion. Respondents believed that genetic counselors have a professional obligation to be knowledgeable about direct-to-consumer genetic testing (55%) and interpret results (48%). Fifty-one percent of respondents thought genetic testing should be limited to a clinical setting; 56% agreed direct-to-consumer genetic testing is acceptable if genetic counseling is provided. More than 70% of respondents would definitely or possibly consider direct-to-consumer testing for patients who (1) have concerns about genetic discrimination, (2) want anonymous testing, or (3) have geographic constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that genetic counselors have limited patient experiences with direct-to-consumer genetic testing and are cautiously considering if and under what circumstances this approach should be used.
PURPOSE: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is a new means of obtaining genetic testing outside of a traditional clinical setting. This study assesses genetic counselors' experience, knowledge, and beliefs regarding direct-to-consumer genetic testing for tests that would currently be offered in genetics clinics. METHODS: Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors completed a web-administered survey in February 2008. RESULTS: Response rate was 36%; the final data analysis included 312 respondents. Eighty-three percent of respondents had two or fewer inquiries about direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and 14% had received requests for test interpretation or discussion. Respondents believed that genetic counselors have a professional obligation to be knowledgeable about direct-to-consumer genetic testing (55%) and interpret results (48%). Fifty-one percent of respondents thought genetic testing should be limited to a clinical setting; 56% agreed direct-to-consumer genetic testing is acceptable if genetic counseling is provided. More than 70% of respondents would definitely or possibly consider direct-to-consumer testing for patients who (1) have concerns about genetic discrimination, (2) want anonymous testing, or (3) have geographic constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that genetic counselors have limited patient experiences with direct-to-consumer genetic testing and are cautiously considering if and under what circumstances this approach should be used.
Authors: Katrina A B Goddard; Debra Duquette; Amy Zlot; Jenny Johnson; Ann Annis-Emeott; Patrick W Lee; Mary Pat Bland; Karen L Edwards; Kristin Oehlke; Rebecca T Giles; Ann Rafferty; Michelle L Cook; Muin J Khoury Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2008-12-23 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Kathleen A Calzone; Sheila A Prindiville; Oxana Jourkiv; Jean Jenkins; Maria DeCarvalho; Dawn B Wallerstedt; David J Liewehr; Seth M Steinberg; Peter W Soballe; Stan Lipkowitz; Pamela Klein; Ilan R Kirsch Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2005-05-20 Impact factor: 44.544
Authors: Celette Sugg Skinner; Joellen M Schildkraut; Donald Berry; Brian Calingaert; P Kelly Marcom; Jeremy Sugarman; Eric P Winer; J Dirk Iglehart; P Andrew Futreal; Barbara K Rimer Journal: Genet Test Date: 2002
Authors: Mark J Dobrow; Margo C Orchard; Brian Golden; Eric Holowaty; Lawrence Paszat; Adalsteinn D Brown; Terrence Sullivan Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2008-10-16 Impact factor: 5.428
Authors: Diane R Koeller; Wendy R Uhlmann; Deanna Alexis Carere; Robert C Green; J Scott Roberts Journal: J Genet Couns Date: 2017-05-16 Impact factor: 2.537