Rôle des médecins dans l’adhésion des patients et des familles à la réalisation d’analyses de caractéristiques génétiques

• Published in: Bulletin du cancer Vol. 110; no. 10; pp. 1002 - 1014
• Main Authors: Chipoulet, Edith, Collet, Gaelle, Couderc, Bettina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 01-10-2023
• Subjects: Life Sciences; Santé publique et épidémiologie; Analyse des caractéristiques génétiques; Consentement éclairé; Educational film; Film pédagogique; Informed consent; Genetic characteristics analysis; Information
• ISSN: 0007-4551; 1769-6917
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.05.006Freearticle

More and more French cancer patients are offered by their physicians having their genetic characteristics analyzed (diagnosis, adaptation of treatment plans, etc.). In oncology, considering the development of personalized medicine, these analyses are commonplace. Analyses of germline (hereditary) genetic characteristics require information from patients who must sign an informed consent (article 16.10 of the Civil Code and articles L. 1131-3 and L. 1122-1-1 of the Public Health Code). However, prescribing physicians are rarely geneticists and have little training in genetics. Patients report that few are able to answer their questions and often sign a consent that is not truly informed. To identify the genetic knowledge and training needs of prescribers, we conducted an online survey of physicians prescribing genetic testing in oncology between January and March 2020. The survey consisted of 17 closed questions and 3 open questions. We obtained 35 usable questionnaires which show that 50% of the prescribing physicians questioned lack knowledge of genetics, but do not express a need for training. They were interested in the provision of a digital teaching aid for patients. We have therefore made a film for patients, available in free access, which aims to shed light on the analysis of genetic characteristics. The film helps physicians to explain the offered analyses and their consequences (https://youtu.be/5lWUSsteavs).