Communication of genomic information in clinical and online contexts

National Human Genome Research Institute

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

My work investigates the impact of the diffusion of genomic information into clinical and public health contexts. I am particularly interested in health disparities, and thus studying genomic communication relevant to diseases or populations that are stigmatized and/or underserved. I examine these issues both in simulated clinical contexts, and online through social media platforms. I currently have several recently completed studies that contribute to these aims. In the clinical context, my colleagues and I are examining the influence of the provider's apparent weight on potential patients' reaction to the weight-related genomic information she provides. Data collection for multiple experiments is ongoing. Colleagues and I have also collected data for a study examining the influence of patients' presentation with direct-to-consumer-type genomic information at their clinical visit. Data from several medical students has been collected and presented; papers are being drafted. A follow-up study is being planned. An additional study in this vein assesses genetic attributions, their connection with diabetes understanding, stigma, and health outcomes in the context of diabetes. Four papers from the project are published and one more is under review. A follow-up study is being planned.