In this episode we explore genetic testing in low risk populations, both in direct-to-consumer and clinical settings. We interview authors on two recent JoGC papers related to topics of communication of health risks, understanding of genetic testing, and informed decision-making. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.
Nicole Lee is an associate professor of communication in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Arizona State University. Her research examines the intersection of science communication, public relations, and digital media. This work has been applied to many contexts including climate change, biodiversity research, wellness products, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
x: @lee_nicole
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleleepr/
In this segment we discuss:
- What motivated the exploration of how direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies communicate health risks to consumers.
- Potential impacts on consumers who may misinterpret relative risk when presented without adequate context.
- Importance of genetic counselors in improving interpretation and communication of DTC genetic test results.
- Suggestions for enhancing transparency and clarity in communicating health risks to consumers.
Segment 2: Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening: Testing Motivations and Decision Making in the Low-Risk Population
Meagan Choates, MS, CGC is the Assistant Program Director of the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program and Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston where she practices prenatal genetic counseling. She received a BS in Biochemistry and Genetics with a Minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2014 and an MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program in 2016. Meagan provides prenatal genetic counseling services at several Houston area clinics, and supervises genetic counseling students while on their prenatal rotation. In addition, she directs and teaches the genetic counseling program's Embryology course and Approaches to Genetic Counseling Research I & II. She co-directs and teaches in the program's Prenatal Genetic Counseling, Psychosocial Issues, and Psychosocial Practicum courses. She additionally oversees the genetic counseling students' Master of Science thesis research process. Her personal research interests include understanding how genetic screening and testing options are discussed, utilized, and interpreted in the clinical setting.
ResearchGate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Meagan-Choates-2
In this segment we discuss:
- The anecdotal observations that inspired the study, notably that low-risk and high-risk patients shared similar motivations for choosing NIPT.
- That insurance coverage was the second most significant factor influencing the decision to undergo NIPT.
- About 44% of participants were classified as making "uninformed decisions" despite receiving pre-test counseling from a genetic counselor. However, the term “uninformed” used by the MMIC tool can be misleading.
- The challenge of balancing detailed knowledge expectations with patients' ability to make value-consistent and thoughtful decisions.
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”.
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others.
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com