A Web Screening on Educational Initiatives to Increase Citizens’ Literacy on Genomics and Genetics

Abstract

IntroductionPopulation awareness and empowerment in omics sciences represent a fundamental driver to increase the adoption of evidence-based approaches in personalized medicine. In this context, a pivotal role is played by citizens’ literacy, and educational initiatives carried out in this context are key assets to drive future effective interventions. With the present study, we summarized the educational initiatives conducted worldwide aimed at increasing citizens’ literacy in omics sciences.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a web search of the educational initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ literacy in omics sciences undertaken worldwide, by using three search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo Search), in English and in Italian languages.ResultsWe identified five initiatives in Europe, 22 in non-European countries, and 13 in Italy. Overall, the majority (69%) were web-based initiatives, while 31% required in-person attendance. The online initiatives included web pages for reading, online lessons/courses, web portals, videos/short movies, animations, and apps for mobile devices. The residential initiatives, on the other hand, included exhibitions, seminars, courses, symposia, information stands in public places, guided visits to research laboratories, and interactive laboratories. All the initiatives were highly heterogeneous in terms of methodologies and the topics addressed.Discussion and ConclusionOverall, we identified a variety of initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ literacy in omics sciences, with the largest majority carried out in the United States and being web-based. Our results showed heterogeneity among the initiatives as to the dealt topics and the adopted methods. Further research is needed, however, to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of educational initiatives to improve citizens’ literacy in omics sciences.

Citizens’ Literacy in Genomics: A Delphi Survey of Multidisciplinary Experts in the Field

“…As regards the tools that were deemed adequate for training and informing citizens, both the methods based on mass media (e.g., movies and videos) and on more traditional means (e.g., lessons and discussion groups) were selected by experts, even though the former scored higher than the latter. This parallels the landscape of educational initiatives carried out worldwide, which has been highly heterogeneous in this sense [ 11 ]. However, according to the survey results, one of the tools deemed most appropriate for citizens’ literacy by experts is represented by discussion with healthcare professionals, although the composition of the Delphi survey participants might have influenced their prioritization of discussions with healthcare professionals as a tool for promoting citizens’ genomic literacy.…”

“…These results are in line with the findings of our previous systematic review [ 2 ], where genetic/genomic research, disease etiology and susceptibility, genetic and omics tests were among the main topics identified as being relevant for citizens’ education. However, previously implemented educational initiatives on genetics/genomics aimed at informing the public did not always focus on such topics [ 11 ]. Thus, it might be important to align future initiatives with real citizens’ educational needs and wishes.…”

“…However, according to the survey results, one of the tools deemed most appropriate for citizens’ literacy by experts is represented by discussion with healthcare professionals, although the composition of the Delphi survey participants might have influenced their prioritization of discussions with healthcare professionals as a tool for promoting citizens’ genomic literacy. Our previous studies [ 2 , 11 ] have, instead, reported that the main sources of information for citizens are TV, magazines, newspapers, and the internet. These data, associated with the low level of citizens’ knowledge in the omics sciences field, further underlines the healthcare professional’s fundamental role in the education of the general population.…”

“…Published evidence on citizens’ knowledge in omics science, and related educational initiatives [ 2 , 11 ], were used by the investigative team for the development of an ad hoc questionnaire.…”

A Web Screening on Training Initiatives in Cancer Genomics for Healthcare Professionals

“…Despite these limitations, our work is the first attempt to summarize past and ongoing initiatives addressing healthcare professionals in the cancer genomics field using a web search with a systematic and scientific approach. This innovative web-based screening methodology was recently applied in a previous study aimed at mapping educational initiatives to increase citizens’ literacy in genomics and genetics field [ 139 ]. Focusing on both healthcare professionals and citizens’ literacy is a priority strategy for implementing PM in clinical care and improving the public understanding of its value for heath.…”