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Karam PE, Hamad L, Elsherif M, Kreidieh K, Nakouzi G, El Asmar K, Kabakian-Khasholian T, Curi DA, Yazbek SN. Genetic literacy among primary care physicians in a resource-constrained setting. BMC Med Educ 2024; 24:140. [PMID: 38350948 PMCID: PMC10863164 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05110-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic literacy among primary healthcare providers is crucial for appropriate patient care with the advances in genetic and genomic medicine. Studies from high-income countries highlight the lack of knowledge in genetics and the need to develop curricula for continuing professional development of non-geneticists. Scarce data is available from resource-constrained countries in Middle East and North Africa. Lebanon is a small country in this region characterized by high rates of consanguinity and genetic disorders like several surrounding countries, such as Jordan, Syria, and Turkey. METHODS The primary aim of this study assessed the genetic literacy, self-perceived and actual knowledge as well as practices among primary care providers in Lebanon. The secondary aim identified their educational needs and proposed evidence-based continuing education programs. A cross-sectional survey-based study, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted targeting physicians from Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics. The questionnaire was divided into five sections: demographics, familiarity with genetic tests, self-reported and actual knowledge, genetic practices, and educational needs. Statistics were performed using SPSS v24. The Chi-square test was used for independent variables. Differences between mean scores were measured using paired sample t-tests for groups of two levels and one-way ANOVA for more than two. Multiple linear regression was used to study the variables associated with the knowledge score while controlling for other variables. RESULTS The survey included 123 physicians. They were mostly familiar with karyotype as first-tier genetic test. Although 38% perceived their knowledge as good, only 6% scored as such in knowledge assessment. A better knowledge score was observed in academic institutions as well as in urban settings (p<0.05). One third never ordered any genetic testing, mostly due to poor knowledge. Almost all (98%) were ready to attend continuing professional development sessions in genetics. CONCLUSION Our findings show the need to improve genetic literacy among healthcare frontliners, focusing on remote regions and nonacademic centers in Lebanon, a model for other resource-constrained country in the Middle East and North Africa region. This study advances recommendations for evidence-based genetic continuing education programs and highlighted the role of that the few genetic specialists can play in their successful implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale E Karam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lina Hamad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamed Elsherif
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Khalil Kreidieh
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghunwa Nakouzi
- Hudson Alpha Clinical Services Lab, LLC, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Khalil El Asmar
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamar Kabakian-Khasholian
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dany Assaf Curi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Soha N Yazbek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Ferreira RL, do Nascimento IJB, de Almeida VIA, de Oliveira VRL, Marangne LG, dos Santos Gameleira F, Dutra TRC, de Oliveira Santos D, Dias Afonso MP, dos Santos PEA, de Oliveira HN, Vilhena Dias FM. The utilisation of primary health care system concepts positively impacts the assistance of patients with rare diseases despite limited knowledge and experience by health care professionals: A qualitative synopsis of the evidence including approximately 78 000 individuals. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04030. [PMID: 37539555 PMCID: PMC10401310 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with rare diseases (RD) have been historically understudied. Previous publications reported that existing primary health care (PHC) workforces and associated infrastructure had been shown to improve their access and health-related outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As current evidence about the impact of PHC on patients diagnosed with RD is yet highly dispersed, this scoping review aimed to collate available evidence of the impact of PHC on patients with RD and summarize published information from multiple stakeholders about the perceived usefulness and barriers to effective use of the PHC system. Methods We searched Embase, Health System Evidence, PubMed, LILACS / BVS, and The Cochrane Library, from inception to September 1, 2022, for publications providing clear expert- or experience-based insights or data from patients living with RD at the PHC level of care. We included publications highlighting barriers to integrated care of patients with RD, reported by multiple social actors involved in caring for patients with RD. Two investigators screened publications, extracted data, and clustered information among records deemed eligible for inclusion. Data synthesis was performed using narrative and thematic-based analysis. Major findings identified and coded through a semantic-driven analysis were processed in vosViewer software and reported using descriptive statistics. Findings Eighty publications were included in this review. Quali-quantitative analyses evidenced that the PHC level is essential for approaching patients with RD, mainly due to its longitudinal, multidisciplinary, and coordinated care delivery. In addition, several publications highlighted that the medical curriculum is inappropriate for preparing health care providers to deal with patients presenting unusual signs and symptoms and being diagnosed with RD. PHC teams are essential in orienting patients and families on emergency events. Technology-related concepts were reported in 19 publications, emphasizing their effectiveness on early diagnosis, optimal treatment definition, improvement of quality of life, and long-lasting follow-up. Conclusions We provided valuable information on the effectiveness of the PHC in fostering a creative, integrative, and supportive environment for patients living with RD. Our results can be helpful to several stakeholders in deciding what actions are still pending to achieve a solid and positive experience for patients with RD in the PHC. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42022332347).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Lemos Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Israel Júnior Borges do Nascimento
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS), World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Victor Izidro Alves de Almeida
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vanuza Regina Lommez de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Gomes Marangne
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia dos Santos Gameleira
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tárcia Regina Coura Dutra
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Oliveira Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Pellizzaro Dias Afonso
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Saúde Pública, da Faculdade de Medicina, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paula Eduarda Alves dos Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helian Nunes de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicamentos e Assistência Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, UFMG, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Promoção de Saúde e Prevenção da Violência, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social, Faculdade de Medicina, UFMG, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando Machado Vilhena Dias
- Faculdade de Medicina e Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigação de Pessoas com Doenças Raras (LIRA), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Promoção de Saúde e Prevenção da Violência, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social, Faculdade de Medicina, UFMG, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Kudron EL, Deininger KM, Aquilante CL. Are Graduate Medical Trainees Prepared for the Personalized Genomic Medicine Revolution? Trainee Perspectives at One Institution. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1025. [PMID: 37511638 PMCID: PMC10381337 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the use of genomics to inform clinical care is increasing, clinicians feel underprepared to integrate personalized medicine (PM) into care decisions. The educational needs of physician residents and fellows, also known as graduate medical trainees (GMTs), have been overlooked. We administered an anonymous, web-based survey to all GMTs participating in training programs affiliated with our institution to evaluate their knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward PM. Of the 1190 GMTs contacted, 319 (26.8%) returned surveys. Most (88.4%) respondents reported receiving PM education in the past. Although the respondents agreed that knowledge of disease genetics (80.9%) or pharmacogenetics (87.1%) would likely lead to improved clinical outcomes, only 33.2% of the respondents felt sufficiently informed about PM. The respondents who had received PM education in residency and/or fellowship had significantly higher self-reported knowledge, ability, awareness, and adoption of PM than those who had not received this education (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.01, respectively). Targeted training is needed to improve GMTs' confidence in interpreting and explaining genetic test results. The ideal timing for this education appears to be in residency and/or fellowship rather than in medical school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Kudron
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kimberly M Deininger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christina L Aquilante
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Gates RW, Hudgins L, Huffman LC. Medical genetics education for pediatrics residents: A brief report. Genet Med 2022; 24:2408-2412. [PMID: 36029300 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Genetic testing is ubiquitous in the field of medicine and is often ordered or requested by primary care providers, nongenetics subspecialists, and patients themselves. Other studies have shown that providers are often not comfortable ordering genetic testing. There have been initiatives to teach these concepts via continuing medical education; however, there is not a standardized training program for teaching resident physicians about genetic testing. METHODS During September to October 2020, we recruited all the pediatrics residents at our institution via email (N = 102). Residents were invited to complete a Qualtrics electronic survey that addressed self-perceived level of knowledge about core concepts of genetic testing, as well as self-perceived confidence discussing these concepts with families. RESULTS Response rate was 46 to 102 (45%). Proportions of respondents reporting they felt insufficiently knowledgeable ranged from 28% (basic concepts of genetics) to 80% (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act). Most pediatrics residents agreed that a curriculum teaching basics of genetic testing would be helpful to them. Desired curricular topics included indications and limitations of genetic testing, testing procedures, and counseling families. CONCLUSION Despite its expanding importance across medicine, genetics education is lacking in pediatrics residency programs and residents would benefit from a curriculum teaching basic concepts of genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W Gates
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.
| | - Louanne Hudgins
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Lynne C Huffman
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA
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