Data Entry: Please note that the research database will be replaced by UNIverse by the end of October 2023. Please enter your data into the system https://universe-intern.unibas.ch. Thanks

Login for users with Unibas email account...

Login for registered users without Unibas email account...

 
The use of heuristics in genetic testing decision-making: A qualitative interview study.
JournalArticle (Originalarbeit in einer wissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift)
 
ID 4631691
Author(s) Zimmermann, Bettina Maria; Shaw, David Martin; Elger, Bernice; Koné, Insa
Author(s) at UniBasel Zimmermann, Bettina
Shaw, David
Elger, Bernice Simone
Koné, Insa
Year 2021
Title The use of heuristics in genetic testing decision-making: A qualitative interview study.
Journal PloS one
Volume 16
Number 11
Pages / Article-Number e0260597
Abstract

Decision-making concerning predictive genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes is inherently complex. This study aims to investigate what kind of complexities adults undergoing genetic counseling in Switzerland experience, how they deal with them, and what heuristics they use during the decision-making process.; Semi-structured qualitative interviews with eighteen Swiss adults seeking genetic counseling for hereditary cancer syndrome genetic testing and two counseling physicians were conducted and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.; Counselees stated that once they were aware of their eligibility for genetic testing they perceived an inevitable necessity to make a decision in a context of uncertainties. Some counselees perceived this decision as simple, others as very complex. High emotional involvement increased perceived complexity. We observed six heuristics that counselees used to facilitate their decision: Anticipating the test result; Focusing on consequences; Dealing with information; Interpreting disease risk; Using external guidance; and (Re-)Considering the general uncertainty of life.; Our findings are limited to the context of predictive genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. This qualitative study does not allow extrapolation of the relative frequency of which heuristics occur.; The use of heuristics is an inherent part of decision-making, particularly in the complex context of genetic testing for inherited cancer predisposition. However, some heuristics increase the risk of misinterpretation or exaggerated external influences. This may negatively impact informed decision-making. Thus, this study illustrates the importance of genetic counselors and medical professionals being aware of these heuristics and the individual manner in which they might be applied in the context of genetic testing decision-making. Findings may offer practical support to achieve this, as they inductively focus on the counselees' perspective.

ISSN/ISBN 1932-6203
Full Text on edoc
Digital Object Identifier DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0260597
PubMed ID http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34847204
   

MCSS v5.8 PRO. 0.333 sec, queries - 0.000 sec ©Universität Basel  |  Impressum   |    
29/03/2024