Media Coverage of Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing

Lynch, John; Parrott, Ashley; Hopkin, Robert J.; Myers, Melanie F.

doi:10.1007/s10897-011-9374-9

Cited by 27 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Most investigations focus on awareness of DTC genetic tests, reported intention to order a test, and reasons for why (or not) an individual would purchase one. Although the evidence is limited, and compromised by a lack of representative samples and inconsistency of methods and measures across studies, results thus far suggest that awareness and actual use of DTC testing is relatively low despite emerging mainstream media on the topic (Lynch et al, 2011). In Australia over the last 10 years, there has been considerable mainstream media coverage on genetic testing and genetics and health issues, with specific stories on DTC beginning to emerge in 2003 and peaking in 2007 and 2011 (see Figure 1).…”

Section: Lack Of Research On Public Attitudes Towards Dtc Genetic Testsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public reaction to direct-to-consumer online genetic tests: Comparing attitudes, trust and intentions across commercial and conventional providers

et al. 2014

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The success of personalised medicine depends upon the public's embracing genetic tests. Tests that claim to predict an individual's future health can now be accessed via online companies outside of conventional health regulations. This research assessed the extent to which the public embrace direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests relative to those obtained by a conventional medical practitioner (MP). It also examined the reasons for differences across providers using a randomised experimental telephone survey of 1000 Australians. Results suggest that people were significantly less likely to approve of, and order a DTC genetic test administered by a company compared to a MP because they were less trusting of companies' being able to protect their privacy and provide them with access to genetic expertise and counselling. Markets for DTC genetic tests provided by companies would therefore significantly increase if trust in privacy protection and access to expertise are enhanced through regulation.

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Section: Lack Of Research On Public Attitudes Towards Dtc Genetic Testsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public reaction to direct-to-consumer online genetic tests: Comparing attitudes, trust and intentions across commercial and conventional providers

et al. 2014

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“…In terms of genetics in the media, one of the most recurrent concerns is promotion of genetic determinism [34]. Not all analyses, however, have supported this concern [35,36], and some researchers have suggested that genetic determinism in the news media actually may be decreasing over time [37]. What is found more consistently, particularly in stories on the medical and forensic applications of genetics, is overstatement of the potential of genetic technology that may lead to unrealistic public expectations (termed ''genetic optimism'' by Conrad) [38][39][40].…”

Section: Influence Of the Media As A Common Source Of Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Critical Challenge of Educating the Public About Genetics

et al. 2014

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The translation of genomics into medicine would benefit from a public that has a strong foundation in core genetics principles and that is able to access, identify, and use reliable information. Unfortunately, public understanding of genetics is generally poor, a condition that can be traced to deficiencies in formal science education, weaknesses in representations of genetics in the media and on the Internet, and the limited knowledge and involvement of health care providers in patient education. Notwithstanding these challenges, the Internet, media, and health professionals likely will remain major sources of public education. Whether those sources contribute positively or negatively will depend, in part, on the public's ability to discriminate high-quality from low-quality information and on health providers' understanding of genetics and their willingness to engage in the genetics education of their patients.

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“…DTC genetic tests may also be an attractive option to consumers who are concerned about genetic discrimination and confi dentiality. Because DTC occurs outside of a health care provider' s offi ce, genetic test results are not automatically part of medical record, however, concerns have been raised about how DTC companies will keep records confi dential (Lynch, Parrott, Hopkin, & Myers, 2011). Finally, the advertisement of DTC tests for genetic conditions could raise public awareness and knowledge about genetic tests and empower consumers to be better advocates for their health care (Bloss et al, 2010;Farkas & Holland, 2009).…”

Section: Direct-to-consumer Marketing Movementmentioning

confidence: 99%

The State of Genomic Health Care and Cancer Are We Going Two Steps Forward and One Step Backward?

Greco

Mahon²

2011

Annu Rev Nurs Res

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As the application of genomic information and technology crosses the horizon of health care into our everyday lives, expanding genomic knowledge continues to affect how health care services are defined and delivered. Genomic discoveries have led to enhanced clinical capabilities to predict susceptibility to common diseases and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Hundreds of genetic tests are now available that can identify individuals who carry one or more gene mutations that increase their risk of developing cancer or other common diseases. Increased availability and direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic testing is moving genetic testing away from trained genetics health professionals and into the hands of primary care providers and consumers. Genetic tests available on the Internet are being directly marketed to individuals, who can order these tests and receive a report of their risk for numerous health conditions and diseases. Health care providers are expected to interpret these test results, evaluate their accuracy, address the psychosocial consequences of those distressed by receiving their results, and translate genomic information into effective care. However, as we move two steps forward, we are also moving one step backward because many health care providers are unprepared for this genomic revolution. A number of international education, practice, and policy efforts are underway to address the challenges health care providers face in providing competent genomic health care in the context of unprecedented access to information, technology, and global communication. Efforts to integrate standard of care guidelines into electronic medical records increases health care providers' access to information for individuals at risk fo or diagnosed with a genomic condition. Development of genomic competencie for health care providers has led to increased genomic content in academic pro grams. These and other efforts will keep the state of genomic health care stepping forward as we face the challenges of health care in the genomic era.

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Media Coverage of Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing

Cited by 27 publications

References 25 publications

Public reaction to direct-to-consumer online genetic tests: Comparing attitudes, trust and intentions across commercial and conventional providers

Public reaction to direct-to-consumer online genetic tests: Comparing attitudes, trust and intentions across commercial and conventional providers

The Critical Challenge of Educating the Public About Genetics

The State of Genomic Health Care and Cancer Are We Going Two Steps Forward and One Step Backward?

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