Uptake of Cancer Genetic Services for Chatbot vs Standard-of-Care Delivery Models: The BRIDGE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Increasing numbers of unaffected individuals could benefit from genetic evaluation for inherited cancer susceptibility. Automated conversational agents (ie, chatbots) are being developed for cancer genetics contexts; however, randomized comparisons with standard of care (SOC) are needed. Objective: To examine whether chatbot and SOC approaches are equivalent in completion of pretest cancer genetic services and genetic testing. Design, Setting, and Participants: This equivalence trial (Broadening the Reach, Impact, and Delivery of Genetic Services [BRIDGE] randomized clinical trial) was conducted between August 15, 2020, and August 31, 2023, at 2 US health care systems (University of Utah Health and NYU Langone Health). Participants were aged 25 to 60 years, had had a primary care visit in the previous 3 years, were eligible for cancer genetic evaluation, were English or Spanish speaking, had no prior cancer diagnosis other than nonmelanoma skin cancer, had no prior cancer genetic counseling or testing, and had an electronic patient portal account. Intervention: Participants were randomized 1:1 at the patient level to the study groups at each site. In the chatbot intervention group, patients were invited in a patient portal outreach message to complete a pretest genetics education chat. In the enhanced SOC control group, patients were invited to complete an SOC pretest appointment with a certified genetic counselor. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were completion of pretest cancer genetic services (ie, pretest genetics education chat or pretest genetic counseling appointment) and completion of genetic testing. Equivalence hypothesis testing was used to compare the study groups. Results: This study included 3073 patients (1554 in the chatbot group and 1519 in the enhanced SOC control group). Their mean (SD) age at outreach was 43.8 (9.9) years, and most (2233 of 3063 [72.9%]) were women. A total of 204 patients (7.3%) were Black, 317 (11.4%) were Latinx, and 2094 (75.0%) were White. The estimated percentage point difference for completion of pretest cancer genetic services between groups was 2.0 (95% CI, -1.1 to 5.0). The estimated percentage point difference for completion of genetic testing was -1.3 (95% CI, -3.7 to 1.1). Analyses suggested equivalence in the primary outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of the BRIDGE equivalence trial support the use of chatbot approaches to offer cancer genetic services. Chatbot tools can be a key component of sustainable and scalable population health management strategies to enhance access to cancer genetic services. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03985852.

Stay at home: implementation and impact of virtualising cancer genetic services during COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid adoption of virtual clinic processes and healthcare delivery. Herein, we examine the impact of virtualising genetics services at Canada's largest cancer centre. A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate relevant metrics during the 12 weeks prior to and during virtual care, including referral and clinic volumes, patient wait times and genetic testing uptake. The number of appointments and new patients seen were maintained during virtual care. Likewise, there was a significant increase in the number of patients offered testing during virtual care who did not provide a blood sample (176/180 (97.7%) vs 180/243 (74.1%); p<0.001), and a longer median time from the date of pretest genetic counselling to the date a sample was given (0 vs 11 days; p<0.001). Referral volumes significantly decreased during virtual care (35 vs 22; p<0.001), which was accompanied by a decreased median wait time for first appointment (55 days vs 30 days; p<0.001). The rapid virtualisation of cancer genetic services allowed the genetics clinic to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic without compromising clinical volumes or access to genetic testing. There was a decrease in referral volumes and uptake of genetic testing, which may be attributable to pandemic-related clinical restrictions.

Randomized study of remote telehealth genetic services versus usual care in oncology practices without genetic counselors.

PURPOSE: To examine the benefit of telehealth over current delivery options in oncology practices without genetic counselors. METHODS: Participants meeting cancer genetic testing guidelines were recruited to this multi-center, randomized trial comparing uptake of genetic services with remote services (telephone or videoconference) to usual care in six predominantly community practices without genetic counselors. The primary outcome was the composite uptake of genetic counseling or testing. Secondary outcomes compare telephone versus videoconference services. RESULTS: 147 participants enrolled and 119 were randomized. Eighty percent of participants in the telehealth arm had genetic services as compared to 16% in the usual care arm (OR 30.52, p < 0.001). Five genetic mutation carriers (6.7%) were identified in the telehealth arm, compared to none in the usual care arm. In secondary analyses, factors associated with uptake were lower anxiety (6.77 vs. 8.07, p = 0.04) and lower depression (3.38 vs. 5.06, p = 0.04) among those who had genetic services. There were no significant differences in change in cognitive or affective outcomes immediately post-counseling and at 6 and 12 months between telephone and videoconference arms. CONCLUSION: Telehealth increases uptake of genetic counseling and testing at oncology practices without genetic counselors and could significantly improve identification of genetic carriers and cancer prevention outcomes.

Identification and management of Lynch syndrome in the Middle East and North African countries: outcome of a survey in 12 countries.

BACKGROUND: Lynch syndrome (LS), the most common inherited form of colorectal cancer (CRC), is responsible for 3% of all cases of CRC. LS is caused by a mismatch repair gene defect and is characterized by a high risk for CRC, endometrial cancer and several other cancers. Identification of LS is of utmost importance because colonoscopic surveillance substantially improves a patient's prognosis. Recently, a network of physicians in Middle Eastern and North African (ME/NA) countries was established to improve the identification and management of LS families. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate current healthcare for families with LS in this region. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed that addressed the following issues: availability of clinical management guidelines for LS; attention paid to family history of cancer; availability of genetic services for identification and diagnosis of LS; and assessment of knowledge of LS surveillance. Members of the network and authors of recent papers on LS from ME/NA and neighbouring countries were invited to participate in the survey and complete the online questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 55 individuals were invited and 19 respondents from twelve countries including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Turkey completed the questionnaire. The results showed that family history of CRC is considered in less than half of the surveyed countries. Guidelines for the management of LS are available in three out of twelve countries. The identification and selection of families for genetic testing were based on clinical criteria (Amsterdam criteria II or Revised Bethesda criteria) in most countries, and only one country performed universal screening. In most of the surveyed countries genetic services were available in few hospitals or only in a research setting. However, surveillance of LS families was offered in the majority of countries and most frequently consisted of regular colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: The identification and management of LS in ME/NA countries are suboptimal and as a result most LS families in the region remain undetected. Future efforts should focus on increasing awareness of LS amongst both the general population and doctors, and on the improvement of the infrastructure in these countries.

[Congenital or Early Acquired Deafness: An Overview of the Portuguese Situation, from Diagnosis to Follow-Up]. / Surdez Congénita ou Precocemente Adquirida: Do Rastreio ao Seguimento, um Retrato de Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital deafness or early acquired deafness affects 1 to 3 out of 1000 newborns without risk factors and 20 to 40 out of 1000 newborns with risk factors. The universal newborn hearing screening enables its early identification. Children with congenital deafness/early acquired deafness have a higher prevalence of other conditions, especially ophthalmologic and neurodevelopmental ones, and at least 30% to 40% have at least one associated comorbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional, multicenter study in which 83% (n = 30) of the hospitals/maternity hospitals of the National Health Service participated. RESULTS: All surveyed hospitals/maternity hospitals routinely performed universal newborn hearing screening to all newborns before discharge; 63% referred children with risk factors for hearing loss to Otorhinolaryngology. All children with congenital deafness/early acquired deafness are referred to: Pediatrics in 23% hospitals/maternity hospitals. In 23 hospitals/maternity hospitals, all children with congenital deafness/early acquired deafness are referred to: Speech Therapy in 44% hospitals/ maternity hospitals; Ophthalmology in 17% hospitals/maternity hospitals; National System of Early Intervention in Childhood in 30% hospitals/maternity hospitals; 22% of hospitals/maternity hospitals refer all children with congenital deafness/early acquired deafness, with no identified cause, to Clinical Genetics clinics. The number of diagnoses of deafness in the years 2014 and 2015 was 2.5 and 1.5 per 1000 newborns, respectively, in 15 hospitals/maternity hospitals. DISCUSSION: Awareness of universal newborn hearing screening seems to be widely spread in the National Health Service. The number of children with SC / SPA, as well as the percentage of different types of deafness diagnosed, were identical to those found in other studies and shows its importance. The assessment / follow-up of these children by specialties other than the otolaryngology was heterogeneous in different health entities and revealed that not all children with risk factors for deafness follow up advised by existing standards. CONCLUSION: Results show that Portugal made an important path in the screening and follow-up of children with SC / SPA. It is important, with the ultimate aim of continually improving the care of these children, to reflect on the involvement of specialties other than otolaryngology, such as the National Early Childhood Intervention System in the follow-up of these children.

Introdução: A surdez congénita ou precocemente adquirida afeta 1 a 3 por cada 1000 recém-nascidos sem fatores de risco e 20 a 40/1000 com fatores de risco. O rastreio auditivo neonatal universal permite a sua identificação precoce. As crianças com surdez congénita/precocemente adquirida têm uma maior prevalência de outras patologias, especialmente oftalmológicas e do neurodesenvolvimento, tendo pelo menos 30% a 40% uma comorbilidade associada.Material e Métodos: Realizámos um estudo transversal, multicêntrico onde participaram 83% (n = 30) dos hospitais/maternidades do Serviço Nacional de Saúde.Resultados: Todos os hospitais/maternidades inquiridos realizam, por rotina, o rastreio auditivo neonatal universal a todos os recém-nascidos antes da alta; 63% encaminham para Otorrinolaringologia crianças com fatores de risco de surdez. Todas as crianças com surdez congénita/precocemente adquirida são encaminhadas para Pediatria em 23% hospitais/maternidades. Em 23 hospitais/maternidades todas as crianças com surdez congénita/precocemente adquirida são encaminhadas para: Terapia da Fala em 44% hospitais/maternidades; Oftalmologia em 17% hospitais/maternidades; Sistema Nacional de Intervenção Precoce na Infância (SNIPI) em 30% hospitais/maternidades; referenciação para Genética de todas as crianças com surdez congénita/ precocemente adquirida, sem causa identificada, em 22% hospitais/maternidades. O número de diagnósticos de surdez nos anos de 2014 e 2015 foi de 2,5 e 1,5 por cada1000 recém-nascidos, respetivamente, em 15 dos  hospitais/maternidades.Discussão: O rastreio auditivo neonatal universal parece estar amplamente difundido no Serviço Nacional de Saúde. O número de crianças com SC/SPA tal como a percentagem dos diferentes tipos de surdez diagnosticados, foram idênticos aos encontrados noutros estudos e mostra a indiscutível importância do rastreio. A avaliação/acompanhamento destas crianças por outras especialidades, além da Otorrinolaringologia, mostrou-se heterogéneo nas diferentes entidades de saúde e revelou que nem todas as crianças com fatores de risco de surdez realizam o seguimento aconselhado pelas normas existentes.Conclusão: Os resultados mostram que Portugal realizou um percurso importante no âmbito do rastreio e seguimento das crianças com SC/SPA. Importa, com o fim último da melhoria continua da prestação de cuidados a estas crianças, refletir sobre o envolvimento de outras especialidades, além da Otorrinolaringologia, tal como do Sistema Nacional de Intervenção Precoce na Infância no seguimento destas crianças.

Genetic Test Availability And Spending: Where Are We Now? Where Are We Going?

Genetic testing and spending on that testing have grown rapidly since the mapping of the human genome in 2003. However, it is not widely known how many tests there are, how they are used, and how they are paid for. Little evidence from large data sets about their use has emerged. We shed light on the issue of genetic testing by providing an overview of the testing landscape. We examined test availability and spending for the full spectrum of genetic tests, using unique data sources on test availability and commercial payer spending for privately insured populations, focusing particularly on tests measuring multiple genes in the period 2014-17. We found that there were approximately 75,000 genetic tests on the market, with about ten new tests entering the market daily. Prenatal tests accounted for the highest percentage of spending on genetic tests, and spending on hereditary cancer tests accounted for the second-highest. Our results provide insights for those interested in assessing genetic testing markets, test usage, and health policy implications, including current debates over the most appropriate regulatory and payer coverage mechanisms.

Exploring the cancer risk perception and interest in genetic services among Indigenous people in Queensland, Australia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to explore the levels of interest among Indigenous people with cancer in identifying cancer risk in their family and seeking genetic counselling/testing. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional survey of Indigenous cancer patients recruited from four major treating hospitals in Queensland. Participants' family history of cancer and interest in genetic counselling/testing was sought using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 73.0% of 252 participants reported having a family history of cancer; of those, 52.8% had at least one first-degree relative with cancer. A total of 68.3% of participants indicated concern about relatives being affected by cancer and 54.4% of participants indicated they would like to assess the cancer risk in their family with a specialist. Concern was associated with willingness to discuss the risk of cancer with a specialist (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Indigenous cancer patients do have a family history of cancer and appear willing to undergo genetic counselling/investigation. It is of great concern that this population could miss the benefits of the technological advances in health care, creating a much larger disparity in health outcomes. IMPLICATIONS: Health service providers should not assume that Indigenous cancer patients will not follow their recommendations when referred to genetic counselling/investigation services.

Analysis of patient reports on the referral process to two NSW cancer genetic services.

To evaluate trends and associations surrounding patient referral to cancer genetics services in NSW. The specific aims of the questionnaire used to collect information were to: (1) quantify the types of cancers being referred, (2) identify the source of referral for the patients, (3) categorise the referral as being either sought by the patient or suggested by the doctor, (4) quantify how often family history was asked, (5) determine who first raised the topic of family history, (6) identify any discouragement faced by patients, (7) clarify the cancer status of patients referred. A comparative patient-reported study was carried out using a questionnaire as the data collection tool in structured short interviews. The questions were aimed at eliciting the patient's understanding of why they were referred to the clinic, whether family history was discussed at the time of referral and who raised the issue via a series of YES/NO and open response questions. Data were collected from March 2012 to August 2012 from two different clinics, St Vincent's Hereditary Cancer Clinic, Sydney and the Hunter Family Cancer Service, Newcastle-both in New South Wales, Australia. Written consent was obtained. The study found that specialists were responsible for the majority of the 150 referrals and were more likely to be proactive in referring, as opposed to GPs (Phi and Cramer's V test). Patients reported that at the time of referral their family history was not asked in 13.5 % of cases, despite being significant. In the 131 cases where family history was discussed, it was the patient on approximately 2 in 5 occasions that brought up the topic. The most common types of cancer seen were breast cancer and colorectal. At both services GP referrals were more common then specialist referrals. On three occasions patients sought referral after being notified that the bloods they had collected by their GP for genetic testing were held by the laboratory due to failure to follow protocol. Six patients reported being discouraged to attend when seeking a referral. At the time of referral 58.7 % of patients were considered to be without cancer. Overall, 20 % of patients requested their referral to the cancer genetics clinics. The discussion of family history in the context of familial cancer is key to accurate risk assessment and management advice. Further education of doctors is required as evidenced by the number of patients where family history was not asked and in those patients who had bloods collected by their GP without counselling.

Factors influencing organizational adoption and implementation of clinical genetic services.

PURPOSE: We sought to identify characteristics of genetic services that facilitate or hinder adoption. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured key informant interviews in five clinical specialties (primary care, medical oncology, neurology, cardiology, pathology/laboratory medicine) within 13 Veterans Administration facilities. RESULTS: Genetic services (defined as genetic testing and consultation) were not typically characterized by informants (n = 64) as advantageous for their facilities or their patients; compatible with organizational norms of low cost and high clinical impact; or applicable to patient populations or norms of clinical care. Furthermore, genetic services had not been systematically adopted in most facilities because of their complexity: knowledge of and expertise on genetic testing was limited, and organizational barriers to utilization of genetic services were formidable. The few facilities that had some success with implementation of genetic services had knowledgeable clinicians interested in developing services and organizational-level facilitators such as accessible genetic test-ordering processes. CONCLUSION: Adoption and implementation of genetic services will require a multilevel effort that includes education of providers and administrators, opportunities for observing the benefits of genetic medicine, strategies for reducing the complexity of genomic medicine, expanded strategies for accessing genetics expertise and streamlining utilization, and resources dedicated to assessing the value of genetic information for the outcomes that matter to health-care organizations.

Understanding the expectations of patients with inherited retinal dystrophies.

BACKGROUND: UK genetic ophthalmology services for patients with retinal dystrophy (RD) are variable. Little research exists to define service requirements, or expectations, of patients and their families. This study aimed to explore the views and perceived benefits of genetic ophthalmology services among members of families with RD. METHODS: Twenty participants with known RD mutations were recruited through UK genetic ophthalmic clinics. Semistructured qualitative interviews explored interviewees' perceptions of the role of these services. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Interviewees' expectations and requirements of genetic ophthalmology services were wide-ranging and often perceived to be unmet. Participant expectations were classified in three groups: (1) Medical expectations included obtaining a diagnosis and information about disease/prognosis, genetic risks and research (2) Psychosocial expectations related to participants' need for support in adjusting to RD (3) Practical expectations included the desire for information about welfare and support. CONCLUSIONS: Expectations of RD families for clinical services are complex, encompassing a range of healthcare specialties. Services that align to these expectations will need to reach beyond the diagnostic arena and provide practical and psychosocial support. The identification of measurable outcomes will facilitate future development and evaluation of service delivery models. Many of the expectations identified here map to an existing, previously validated, outcomes framework for clinical genetic services. However, an additional outcome domain, labelled 'Independence' was also identified; this could either be specific to vision loss or relate generally to disability caused by genetic conditions.

Contribuição oftalmológica no exame de pacientes do Serviço de Genética do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG / Ophthalmology contribution to patients referred from the genetic service of UFMG University Hospital

Objetivos: determinar o perfil dos pacientes encaminhados do Serviço Especial de Genética do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG para avaliação oftalmológica no Hospital São Geraldo, no período de julho de 2008 a janeiro de 2010; determinar as principais causas desses encaminhamentos, as alterações encontradas nos pacientes e os achados mais comuns em algumas das doenças encontradas. Métodos: estudo descritivo baseado em dados dos pacientes atendidos no Setor de Retina do Hospital São Geraldo, encaminhados do Serviço Especial de Genética do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, no período de julho de 2008 a janeiro de 2010. Foram coletadas informações sobre gênero, idade, motivo do encaminhamento, principais características clínicas e suspeita diagnóstica. Para cada paciente foram realizados biomicroscopia do segmento anterior e exame do fundo de olho. Resultados: no período foram avaliados 100 pacientes. As principais suspeitas diagnósticas foram retardo mental e dismorfismos sem diagnóstico estabelecido (21%), síndrome de Marfan (12%), síndrome de Cohen (11%), erro inato do metabolismo (9%), neurofibromatose tipo 1 (5%) e síndrome de Stickler (4%). A avaliação oftalmológica contribuiu para o esclarecimento diagnóstico em 66% dos casos. As principais alterações encontradas foram: palidez de disco óptico 10%; estrabismo, iridodonese e alteração da pigmentação da retina, 7% cada; aumento da escavação do disco óptico 6%, disco óptico hipoplásico 5%, coloboma eptose palpebral, 4% cada. Conclusões: as alterações oftalmológicas são características importantes em diversas doenças genéticas. Quando avaliadas adequadamente podem contribuir para o diagnóstico e para estabelecer o prognóstico das síndromes genéticas...

Objectives: To identify the profile of the patients referred from the Special Genetic Service of UFMG University Hospital to ophthalmologic evaluation at São Geraldo Hospital from July 2008 through January 2010; to determine the major causes of such referrals, the patients? disorders, and the most common findings for some of the diseases. Methods: This is a descriptive study based on data of patients at the Retina Sector of São Geraldo Hospital that were referred from the Special Genetic Service of UFMG University Hospital from July 2008 through 2010. The collection included data on gender, age, reason for referral, main clinical characteristic, and suspected diagnosis. Biomicroscopy of the anterior segment and fundoscopy were carried out for all patients. Results: A total of 100 patients was assessed in the period. The main suspected diagnoses were mental retardation and dimorphisms without established diagnosis (21 %), Marfan syndrome (12 %), Cohen syndrome (11 %), innate errors of the metabolism (9 %), neurofibromatosis type 1 (5 %), and Sitckler syndrome (4 %). The ophthalmologic examination contributed to clarifying diagnosis in 66 % of the cases. The major disorders found were: pale optic disc (10 %); strabismus, irregular retinal pigmentation, and iridodonesis (7 % each); increased optic disc cupping (6 %); hypoplastic optic disc (5 %); and coloboma and ptosis (4 % each). Conclusions: Ophthalmologic disorders are important characteristics inherent to several genetic disorders. When properly assessed, they are of great relevance for diagnosis and prognostic of genetic syndromes...

Integrating genetic studies of nicotine addiction into public health practice: stakeholder views on challenges, barriers and opportunities.

OBJECTIVE: Will emerging genetic research strengthen tobacco control programs? In this empirical study, we interview stakeholders in tobacco control to illuminate debates about the role of genomics in public health. METHODS: The authors performed open-ended interviews with 86 stakeholders from 5 areas of tobacco control: basic scientists, clinicians, tobacco prevention specialists, health payers, and pharmaceutical industry employees. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using standard techniques. RESULTS: The central tension is between the hope that an expanding genomic knowledge base will improve prevention and smoking cessation therapies and the fear that genetic research might siphon resources away from traditional and proven public health programs. While showing strong support for traditional public health approaches to tobacco control, stakeholders recognize weaknesses, specifically the difficulty of countering the powerful voice of the tobacco industry when mounting public campaigns and the problem of individuals who are resistant to treatment and continue smoking. CONCLUSIONS: In order for genetic research to be effectively translated into efforts to minimize the harm of smoking-related disease, the views of key stakeholders must be voiced and disagreements reconciled. Effective translation requires honest evaluation of both the strengths and limitations of genetic approaches.

Generation after generation: exploring the psychological impact of providing genetic services through a cascading approach.

PURPOSE: The provision of genetic services often occurs in a cascading fashion within families experiencing inherited diseases. This study examines whether previous family experiences with genetic services influences levels of psychological well-being of family members receiving services later. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-seven persons from 38 families with Lynch syndrome completed questionnaires before receiving genetic services. Baseline levels of test-related distress, depressive symptoms, and cancer worries were assessed in relationship to the (1) amount of time elapsed since services were provided to the index case and (2) generation of the family member relative to the index case. RESULTS: Family members in the same generation as the index case experienced significant increases in test-related distress (P = 0.003) and cancer worry (P = 0.001) with increasing time between receipt of genetic test results by the index case and provision of services to family members. Change in the number of depressive symptoms was not significant (P = 0.17). CONCLUSION: The provision of genetic services through a cascading approach significantly increases distress and worry among family members within the same generation as the index case who receive services at increasingly distant time intervals. Additional research is needed to explore social influences after the introduction of genetic services.

Referral patterns of Indiana oncologists for colorectal cancer genetic services.

We assessed the utilization and referral patterns of Indiana oncologists for colorectal cancer (CRC) genetic services. Surveys were sent to 151 oncologists practicing within the state, with a response rate of 40%. Half of respondents had previously referred patients for CRC genetic services. Those who had not cited reasons, including absence of an appropriate patient, lack of information about genetic services, and uncertainty regarding which patients to refer. Most were interested in materials that would assist in identifying patients for referral. As a result, a booklet was developed and given to participants. This study demonstrates the need for physician education about CRC genetic services.

Brazil: public health genomics.

Brazil represents half of South America and one third of Latin America, having more than 186 million inhabitants. After China and India it is the third largest developing country in the world. The wealth is unequally distributed among the states and among the people. Brazil has a large and complex health care system. A Universal Public Health System (SUS: Sistema SPACEnico de Saúde) covers the medical expenses for 80% of the population. The genetic structure of the population is very complex, including a large proportion of tri- hybrid persons, genetic isolates, and a panmictic large majority. Genetic services are offered at 64 genetic centers, half of them public and free. Nationwide networks are operating for inborn errors of metabolism, oncogenetics, and craniofacial anomalies. The Brazilian Society of Medical Genetics (SBGM) has granted 120 board certifications since 1986, and 7 recognized residences in medical genetics are operating in the country. Three main public health actions promoted by the federal government have been undertaken in the last decade, ultimately aimed at the prevention of birth defects. Since 1999, birth defects are reported for all 3 million annual live births, several vaccination strategies aim at the eradication of rubella, and wheat and maize flours are fortified with folic acid. Currently, the government distributes over 2 million US dollars to finance 14 research projects aimed at providing the basis for the adequate prevention and care of genetics disorders through the SUS. Continuity of this proactive attitude of the government in the area of genomics in public health is desired.

Argentina: public health genomics.

Argentina's population numbers about 40 million, with main genetic contributions from Europeans, Amerindians and, to a much lower extent, West Africans. There is a traditional health care system publicly funded coexisting with a social security system and a for-profit private sector. Clinical genetic services include about 40 units in public hospitals dealing mainly with pediatric genetics. The most conspicuous public policies in genetics are newborn screening and folic acid fortification of flour. Genetics/genomics research is funded by state agencies and is conducted in several institutes and centers. Clinical genetics research occurs in public hospitals and deals primarily with congenital syndromes. While there are no defined government policies in the public application of genomics, there have been initiatives to improve the provision of clinical genetic services countrywide. The main hurdles for applying genetics in health care are a fragmented, inefficient, and inequitable health system, facing large unmet needs in infectious diseases, malnutrition, prenatal and newborn care, deficient education in genetics, and lack of explicit public policies in genetic health care and governmental regulations. Overcoming these obstacles requires increase in government funding and improvement of the efficiency of the public health system and its genetic services. Further, there must be concerted efforts to ensure equitable access to the latter. Interactions should be promoted between clinical geneticists, public health officers, primary health care personnel and parent/patient organizations on the use of genetics/genomics in public health, as well as genetics education of health professionals, the public and decision makers, and development of the capacity of the state to regulate properly the application of genetic/genomic technologies to public health.

Too many referrals of low-risk women for BRCA1/2 genetic services by family physicians.

The increasing availability and public awareness of BRCA1/2 genetic testing will increase women's self-referrals to genetic services. The objective of this study was to examine whether patient characteristics influence the referral decisions of family physicians when a patient requests BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Family physicians (n = 284) completed a Web-based survey in 2006 to assess their attitudes and practices related to the use of genetics in their clinical practice. Using a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design, we tested the effects of a hypothetical patient's race, level of worry, and insurance status on the decisions of family physicians to refer her for BRCA1/2 testing. The patient was not appropriate for referral based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. No patient characteristics were associated with the family physicians' referral decisions. Although referral was not indicated, only 8% did not refer to genetic services; 92% referred for genetic services, and 50% referred to genetic counseling. Family physicians regarded it unlikely that the patient carried a mutation, but 65% of family physicians believed that if they refused to refer for genetic services it would harm their relationship with the patient. Despite scarce and costly genetic services, family physicians were likely to inappropriately refer a low-risk patient who requested BRCA1/2 testing. The implications of this inappropriate referral on women's screening behavior, genetic services, and health care costs are unknown. Clinicians and patients could benefit from education about the appropriate use of genetic services so that both are more comfortable with a decision against referral.

Delivery of genomic medicine for common chronic adult diseases: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: The greatest public health benefit of advances in understanding the human genome may be realized for common chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Attempts to integrate such knowledge into clinical practice are still in the early stages, and as a result, many questions surround the current state of this translation. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize current information on genetic health services for common adult-onset conditions by examining studies that have addressed the outcomes, consumer information needs, delivery, and challenges in integrating these services. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE articles published between January 2000 and February 2008. STUDY SELECTION: Original research articles and systematic reviews dealing with common chronic adult-onset conditions were reviewed. A total of 3371 citations were reviewed, 170 articles retrieved, and 68 articles included in the analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were independently extracted by one reviewer and checked by another with disagreement resolved by consensus. Variables assessed included study design and 4 key areas: outcomes of genomic medicine, consumer information needs, delivery of genomic medicine, and challenges and barriers to integration of genomic medicine. DATA SYNTHESIS: Sixty-eight articles contributed data to the synthesis: 5 systematic reviews, 8 experimental studies, 35 surveys, 7 pre/post studies, 3 observational studies, and 10 qualitative reports. Three systematic reviews, 4 experimental studies, and 9 additional studies reported on outcomes of genetic services. Generally there were modest positive effects on psychological outcomes such as worry and anxiety, behavioral outcomes have shown mixed results, and clinical outcomes were less well studied. One systematic review, 1 randomized controlled trial, and 14 other studies assessed consumer information needs and found in general that genetics knowledge was reported to be low but that attitudes were generally positive. Three randomized controlled trials and 13 other studies assessed how genomic medicine is delivered and newer models of delivery. One systematic review and 19 other studies assessed barriers; the most consistent finding was the self-assessed inadequacy of the primary care workforce to deliver genetic services. Additional identified barriers included lack of oversight of genetic testing and concerns about privacy and discrimination. CONCLUSION: Many gaps in knowledge about organization, clinician, and patient needs must be filled to translate basic and clinical science advances in genomics of common chronic diseases into practice.