Piloting an Educational Module on Consenting for Exome Sequencing Among Non-Genetics Physicians at a Medical...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Medical Education

Background:

• Exome sequencing (ES) is increasingly used in subspecialty clinics lacking genetics providers.
• Non-genetics physicians (NGPs) are now responsible for facilitating patient consent for ES.
• NGPs' comprehension of essential consent elements for ES remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess NGPs' current knowledge of consent elements (CK) for exome sequencing.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational module in improving NGPs' CK for ES.

Main Methods:

• A premodule survey (PrS) assessed CK in Columbia University NGPs.
• NGPs received educational modules on ES.
• A postmodule survey (PoS) administered one month later measured changes in CK scores.

Main Results:

• Nineteen NGPs completed both surveys; initial CK scores were low (mean = 8, SD 1.6).
• No significant differences in PrS CK scores were found between attendings and residents/fellows, nor did scores correlate with years since medical school graduation.
• PoS CK scores were significantly higher than PrS CK scores (P = .03), with 74% of NGPs satisfied with the educational module.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear need for ongoing education for both junior and senior NGPs regarding best practices for exome sequencing consent.
• A tailored online educational module presents a potentially effective method for delivering this crucial training across different medical specialties.