User-centered design of multi-gene sequencing panel reports for clinicians

Area of Science:

• Genomic Medicine
• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Delivering multi-gene sequencing (GS) reports in fast-paced healthcare settings presents challenges.
• Effective communication of complex genomic data is crucial for precision medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-fidelity prototype for delivering GS reports to clinicians.
• To simulate the user experience of a final application using a user-centered design approach.

Main Methods:

• A user-centered software design approach was employed with focus groups of diverse stakeholders.
• Focus group responses were transcribed, coded, and analyzed.
• A software prototype was designed based on participant preferences for notification and information resources, followed by task walkthroughs.

Main Results:

• Clinician preferences for notification, content, and consultation varied based on familiarity with GS report scenarios.
• Participants indicated a need for customized notifications, user-specific information, and access to genetics specialists.
• Recommendations for prototype design and content were provided by participants.

Conclusions:

• User-centered design is essential for developing effective GS report delivery systems.
• Future software applications should support customized notifications, tailored information, and readily available genetics specialist consultation.
• This study's findings and user-centered approach offer valuable insights for similar projects in genomic medicine.