Dataset Information

Virtual research visits and direct-to-consumer genetic testing in Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to conduct a proof-of-concept study to evaluate remote recruitment and assessment of individuals ("virtual research visits") with Parkinson's disease who have pursued direct-to-consumer genetic testing.Participants in 23andMe's "Parkinson's Research Community" were contacted by 23andMe. Fifty willing participants living in 23 states underwent a remote, standardized assessment including cognitive and motor tests by a neurologist via video conferencing and then completed a survey. Primary outcomes assessed were (a) proportion of participants who completed the remote assessments; (b) level of agreement (using Cohen's kappa coefficient) of patient-reported data with that of a neurologist; and (c) interest in future virtual research visits.The self-reported diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was confirmed in all cases (k?=?1.00). The level of agreement for age of symptom onset (k?=?0.97) and family history (k?=?0.85) was very good but worse for falling (k?=?0.59), tremor (k?=?0.56), light-headedness (k?=?0.31), and urine control (k?=?0.15). Thirty-eight (76%) of the 50 participants completed a post-assessment survey, and 87% of respondents said they would be more or much more willing to participate in future clinical trials if they could do research visits remotely.Remote clinical assessments of individuals with known genotypes were conducted nationally and rapidly from a single site, confirmed self-reported diagnosis, and were received favorably. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing and virtual research visits together may enable characterization of genotype and phenotype for geographically diverse populations.

SUBMITTER: Dorsey ER

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5999055 | biostudies-other | 2015 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Virtual research visits and direct-to-consumer genetic testing in Parkinson's disease.

Dorsey E Ray ER Darwin Kristin C KC Mohammed Samara S Donohue Sean S Tethal Alyssa A Achey Meredith A MA Ward Susan S Caughey Elaine E Conley Emily D ED Eriksson Nicholas N Ravina Bernard B

Digital health 20150101

<h4>Objective</h4>The purpose of this study was to conduct a proof-of-concept study to evaluate remote recruitment and assessment of individuals ("virtual research visits") with Parkinson's disease who have pursued direct-to-consumer genetic testing.<h4>Methods</h4>Participants in 23andMe's "Parkinson's Research Community" were contacted by 23andMe. Fifty willing participants living in 23 states underwent a remote, standardized assessment including cognitive and motor tests by a neurologist via ...[more]

PMID: 29942542

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Rapid advances in scientific research have led to an increase in public awareness of genetic testing and pharmacogenetics. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies, such as 23andMe, allow consumers to access their genetic information directly through an online service without the involvement of healthcare professionals. Here, we evaluate the clinical relevance of pharmacogenetic tests reported by 23andMe in their UK tests. METHODS:The research papers listed under each 23andMe report were evaluated, extracting information on effect size, sample size and ethnicity. A wider literature search was performed to provide a fuller assessment of the pharmacogenetic test and variants were matched to FDA recommendations. Additional evidence from CPIC guidelines, PharmGKB, and Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group was reviewed to determine current clinical practice. The value of the tests across ethnic groups was determined, including information on linkage disequilibrium between the tested SNP and causal pharmacogenetic variant, where relevant. RESULTS:23andMe offers 12 pharmacogenetic tests to their UK customers, some of which are in standard clinical practice, and others which are less widely applied. The clinical validity and clinical utility varies extensively between tests. The variants tested are likely to have different degrees of sensitivity due to different risk allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium patterns across populations. The clinical relevance depends on the ethnicity of the individual and variability of pharmacogenetic markers. Further research is required to determine causal variants and provide more complete assessment of drug response and side effects. CONCLUSION:23andMe reports provide some useful pharmacogenetics information, mirroring clinical tests that are in standard use. Other tests are unspecific, providing limited guidance and may not be useful for patients without professional interpretation. Nevertheless, DTC companies like 23andMe act as a powerful intermediate step to integrate pharmacogenetic testing into clinical practice.

Dataset Information

Virtual research visits and direct-to-consumer genetic testing in Parkinson's disease.

Publications

Virtual research visits and direct-to-consumer genetic testing in Parkinson's disease.

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