TY - JOUR
AU - M. Waltz
AU - A. K. M. Foreman
AU - R. A. Gibson
AU - S. Schilling
AU - L. V. Milko
AU - R. Phillips
AU - J. M. O'Daniel
AU - S. Giric
AU - K. Foss
AU - E. K. Branch
AU - N. A. DeJong
AU - M. L. Hernandez
AU - B. C. Powell
AU - J. S. Berg
AU - R. J. Cadigan
AU - M. C. Roberts
A1 - 
AB - INTRODUCTION: As genomic technologies and therapies advance, paired with increasing clinical knowledge and declining sequencing cost, the scope of DNA-based preventive pediatric screening is expected to expand. Age-Based Genomic Screening (ABGS) is an approach that proposes to integrate targeted genomic sequencing for highly actionable genetic conditions into routine well-child care at specific time points aligned with optimal interventions. Prior to the clinical implementation of ABGS in pediatric primary care, however, it is necessary to investigate the factors that may affect its adoption. METHODS: We conducted 20 interviews with providers from 11 clinics across North Carolina. Interviews lasted approximately 45 min, and rapid qualitative analysis was conducted using an analytic matrix. RESULTS: Interviewees stated that, in general, implementation of ABGS would be feasible but identified several barriers, including providers' potential discomfort discussing genomic screening and returning results as well as broader concerns about the potential to exacerbate health disparities. Providers also noted potential challenges affecting interest from patients and families, such as caregiver anxiety while awaiting results, patient apprehension regarding invasive sample collection methods (like blood draws), and a general lack of trust in government and medical institutions. CONCLUSION: While ABGS was viewed as feasible, the identified barriers emphasize the importance of piloting this approach, particularly in terms of potential exacerbation of health disparities. These findings are useful to guide early development and assessment of efforts like ABGS and may also be applicable to broader integration of genomic screening into primary care.
AD - Center for Bioethics and Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.; Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.; School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.; Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
AN - 40258355
BT - Public Health Genomics
C5 - Education & Workforce; Healthcare Disparities
CP - 1
DO - 10.1159/000545839
DP - NLM
ET - 20250421
IS - 1
JF - Public Health Genomics
LA - eng
N2 - INTRODUCTION: As genomic technologies and therapies advance, paired with increasing clinical knowledge and declining sequencing cost, the scope of DNA-based preventive pediatric screening is expected to expand. Age-Based Genomic Screening (ABGS) is an approach that proposes to integrate targeted genomic sequencing for highly actionable genetic conditions into routine well-child care at specific time points aligned with optimal interventions. Prior to the clinical implementation of ABGS in pediatric primary care, however, it is necessary to investigate the factors that may affect its adoption. METHODS: We conducted 20 interviews with providers from 11 clinics across North Carolina. Interviews lasted approximately 45 min, and rapid qualitative analysis was conducted using an analytic matrix. RESULTS: Interviewees stated that, in general, implementation of ABGS would be feasible but identified several barriers, including providers' potential discomfort discussing genomic screening and returning results as well as broader concerns about the potential to exacerbate health disparities. Providers also noted potential challenges affecting interest from patients and families, such as caregiver anxiety while awaiting results, patient apprehension regarding invasive sample collection methods (like blood draws), and a general lack of trust in government and medical institutions. CONCLUSION: While ABGS was viewed as feasible, the identified barriers emphasize the importance of piloting this approach, particularly in terms of potential exacerbation of health disparities. These findings are useful to guide early development and assessment of efforts like ABGS and may also be applicable to broader integration of genomic screening into primary care.
PY - 2025
SN - 1662-4246 (Print); 1662-4246
SP - 180
EP - 189+
ST - Age-Based Genomic Screening: Pediatric Providers' Perspectives on Implementation
T1 - Age-Based Genomic Screening: Pediatric Providers' Perspectives on Implementation
T2 - Public Health Genomics
TI - Age-Based Genomic Screening: Pediatric Providers' Perspectives on Implementation
U1 - Education & Workforce; Healthcare Disparities
U3 - 10.1159/000545839
VL - 28
VO - 1662-4246 (Print); 1662-4246
Y1 - 2025
ER -