Not Forgotten: Patient Experiences with Genetic Variant Reclassifications

Genetic variant reclassification is increasingly common in clinical genomics, yet limited data describe how patients experience re-contact and variant reclassification in routine clinical care.

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 adult patients who received a variant reclassification following routine clinical genetic testing. Interviews explored emotional responses, communication experiences, and perceived value of genetic testing. Data were analyzed using Template Analysis, a form of thematic analysis.

Three overarching themes were identified. Participants identified a need for improved communication of reclassified results, particularly with respect to timing, modality, and contextualization (Theme 1). Experiences with reclassification also shaped perceptions of the value of genetic testing, with most participants viewing testing as worthwhile despite its evolving nature (Theme 2). Finally, many participants interpreted reclassification as evidence of personalized and ongoing care, reinforcing trust in genetic testing and biomedical research (Theme 3). Participants generally preferred to be informed of reclassified results regardless of reclassification type, although the direction of reclassification influenced emotional responses and preferred modes of communication. Downgrades from variants of uncertain significance to benign or likely benign were widely viewed as meaningful by participants.

Variant reclassification was experienced as a signal of personalized, ongoing care. Timely, contextualized, patient-centered re-contact practices may reduce uncertainty, strengthen trust, and help patients not feel forgotten.