Perspectives on Precision Medicine in a Tribally Managed Primary Care Setting

Julie A Beans 1, R Brian Woodbury 1, Kyle A Wark 1, Vanessa Y Hiratsuka 1, Paul Spicer 2

Affiliations

PMID: 32940567
DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2020.1817172

Abstract

Background: Precision medicine (PM) research and clinical application is moving forward at a rapid pace. To ensure ethical inclusion of all populations in PM, in-depth understanding of diverse communities' views of PM research and PM implementation is necessary.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore perspectives on PM in a tribally managed healthcare organization. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data from 46 interviews.

Results: Participants described gains in diagnostic efficiency, risk identification for preventable disease, and the advancement of population-specific biomedical research as key benefits of PM. Concerns expressed related to privacy risks associated with data-sharing, overpromising on PM, and managing patient expectations related to PM. Stakeholders encouraged PM implementation to be preceded by health education activities that leverage a range of communication strategies.

Conclusion: Perspectives described in this study may aid in and should be considered prior to implementation of PM in this and other healthcare systems, especially those serving diverse populations.

Keywords: Alaska Native; American Indian; Precision medicine; community views; healthcare system.

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