Work

How Could Disclosing Incidental Information from Whole-Genome Sequencing Affect Patient Behavior?

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: In this article, we argue that disclosure of incidental findings from whole-genome sequencing has the potential to motivate individuals to change health behaviors through psychological mechanisms that differ from typical risk assessment interventions. Their ability to do so, however, is likely to be highly contingent upon the nature of the incidental findings and how they are disclosed, the context of the disclosure and the characteristics of the patient. Moreover, clinicians need to be aware that behavioral responses may occur in unanticipated ways. This article argues for commentators and policy makers to take a cautious but optimistic perspective while empirical evidence is collected through ongoing research involving whole-genome sequencing and the disclosure of incidental information.

Source: Personalized Medicine

DOI: 10.2217/pme.13.24

Authors: Kurt D Christensen, Robert C Green

Institutions: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Medical and Health Sciences Research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute