Parental knowledge, attitudes, satisfaction and decisional conflict regarding whole genome sequencing in the Genomic Medicine Service: a multisite survey study in England.

Abstract

Background: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) for paediatric rare disease diagnosis is now available as a first-line test for certain clinical indications in the Genomic Medicine Service in England. The aim of this study was to assess decisional conflict regarding WGS at the time of consent as well as parental knowledge, attitudes and satisfaction.

Methods: We conducted a multisite quantitative survey including validated measures. Surveys were sent out across seven National Health Service Trusts in England to parents of children offered WGS, within 4 weeks of their appointment.

Results: 374/1366 survey responses were included in the final dataset. Parents were highly satisfied with their WGS appointment (mean=24.47/28), had low decisional conflict (mean=20.09/100) and felt they had received enough information and support to make an informed decision (83.9%). Parents had positive attitudes towards WGS (mean=18.17/20), and those who had discussed WGS with a genetic counsellor or genomic associate had significantly more positive attitudes than those seen by genetic consultants (p<0.001). Most parents (84.3%) strongly agreed (27.2%) or agreed (67.1%) that they had a clear understanding of what a genomic test is. Parents whose child's condition was reported as more serious (p=0.0011) felt less conflicted about their decision.

Conclusions: The parents in this study had low decisional conflict and most felt they had made an informed decision. Further research after parents receive WGS results to assess whether any, and if so who, regrets their decision, is important.