Most DTC genetic results not shared with doctors
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing may create unrealistic expectations for patients and a conundrum for physicians who largely feel unprepared to discuss test results, says a recent study. Using data from the Impact of Personal Genomics Study, a large, longitudinal study of actual users of 23andMe and Pathway Genomics DTC genetic tests, researchers described the characteristics and perceptions of consumers who shared their results with their doctor or another health professional (van der Wouden CH, et al. Ann Intern Med. Published online ahead of print March 1, 2016. doi:10.7326/M15-0995).
The researchers found that 27 percent of consumers shared their genetic test results with their primary care physician, but most of those who did were satisfied with the discussion of results. For the minority who were unsatisfied with the physician encounter, the physician’s inability to adequately answer the patients’ questions and concerns could be to blame. The authors suggest that patient perceptions and expectations may influence their attitudes. They say that given the increasing importance of genetic concerns in primary care, physicians should be trained to at least engage in a discussion about these tests.
The authors of an accompanying editorial suggest that deceptive marketing messages create unrealistic expectations about the health benefits of at-home genetic tests (Burke W, et al. Ann Intern Med. Published online ahead of print March 1, 2016. doi:10.7326/M16-0257). They call upon the health system to counter unrealistic marketing messages with real advice for consumers.