Patient Perspectives and Experiences with Genomic Testing

Abstract

Genomics testing is increasingly being exploited in healthcare for disease diagnosis and treatment. However, there is a challenge to patients’ perspectives and experiences with genomics testing which brings about setbacks. This chapter aims to harmonize the existing reports on patients’ perspectives and experiences with genomics testing to improve the exposure to the benefits and challenges of genomics testing from the patient perspective. The patients’ views about genomics testing, with some reporting benefits, such as increased diagnostic certainty and personalized treatment options, were considered. Also, challenges such as difficulty understanding test results, concerns about regulations about patients’ privacy, and discrimination are discussed. The importance of patients’ perspectives and experiences considered with genomics testing is seen as a boost to provide clear and supportive communication to patients undergoing genomics testing, and to address concerns about privacy and discrimination.