Evidence map›Paper›PMID 29721668›Full record

ArticleFamilial cancer2019

Physician interpretation of variants of uncertain significance.

Sarah K Macklin, Jessica L Jackson, Paldeep S Atwal, Stephanie L Hines

Abstract read
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Familial cancer, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 41 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
41citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

41 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Sarah K MacklinDepartment of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA. Macklin.sarah@mayo.edu.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5141-3321
Jessica L JacksonDepartment of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
Paldeep S AtwalDepartment of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
Stephanie L HinesDepartment of Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

A growing number of physicians will interact with genetic test results as testing becomes more commonplace. While variants of uncertain significance can complicate results, it is equally important that physicians understand how to incorporate these results into clinical care. An online survey was created to assess physician self-reported comfort level with genetics and variants of uncertain significance. Physicians were asked to respond to three case examples involving genetic test results. The survey was sent to 488 physicians at Mayo Clinic FL on 8/16/2017. Physicians from all specialties were invited to participate. A total of 92 physicians responded to the survey. Only 13/84 (14.6%) responded to all three case examples with the answer deemed "most correct" by review of literature. Physicians that specialized in cancer were more likely to answer questions appropriately (P = .02). Around half (39/84) of the physicians incorrectly defined a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). Over 75% made a recommendation for genetic testing that was not warranted. Many physicians have never received formal genetics training; however, they will be expected to provide an accurate explanation of the genetic test results and subsequent evidence-based medical management recommendations. These results demonstrate that a substantial proportion of physicians lack a true understanding of the implications a VUS. Utilization of supplemental genetics training programs coupled with increase awareness of genetic services may help to improve patient care.

Indexed as

Clinical CompetenceGenetic TestingGenetic VariationAdultAgedGeneticsHumansMiddle AgedNeoplasmsPhysiciansRisk FactorsSurveys and QuestionnairesUncertaintyCancer surveillanceGeneticsVariant of uncertain significance

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.