Primary care providers’ preferences for the communication and management of actionable genomic findings from a research biobank

Abstract

Purpose: Little is known about non-genetics health care specialists’ attitudes toward the return and utilization of actionable genomic results from a research biobank. We surveyed primary care providers (PCPs) to explore their perspectives on these results and their preferences for return. Methods: We administered a paper and web-based 27-question survey to PCPs residing locally and caring for adult patients. Recruitment was conducted in person and by email, focusing on PCPs likely to interact with results generated by our institution’s biobank. Results: Of the ∼482 PCPs contacted, 77 (16%) returned surveys. Although most respondents (90%) prefer that a genetics specialist be involved in communicating biobank-generated genomic results to patients, about 40% of respondents reported that a PCP shares the responsibility to discuss these results along with other specialists. A majority of respondents (74%) felt uncomfortable communicating these results to patients. However, respondents reported significantly greater comfort with this process when offered targeted educational resources (62% with vs 10% without resources; P < 10−5). Conclusion: PCPs recognize the need to engage with their patients’ biobank-generated genomic results but feel uncomfortable in doing so. Relevant resources are needed to improve PCPs’ confidence in the use of these types of results to affect patient care.

Keywords

• Biobank
• Genetics
• Pharmacogenetics
• Primary care provider
• Research