DataSheet1_Attitudes of Australian dermatologists on the use of genetic testing: A cross-sectional survey with a focus on melanoma.DOCX

Background: Melanoma genetic testing reportedly increases preventative behaviour without causing psychological harm. Genetic testing for familial melanoma risk is now available, yet little is known about dermatologists’ perceptions regarding the utility of testing and genetic testing ordering behaviours.Objectives: To survey Australasian Dermatologists on the perceived utility of genetic testing, current use in practice, as well as their confidence and preferences for the delivery of genomics education.Methods: A 37-item survey, based on previously validated instruments, was sent to accredited members of the Australasian College of Dermatologists in March 2021. Quantitative items were analysed statistically, with one open-ended question analysed qualitatively. Results: The response rate was 56% (256/461), with 60% (153/253) of respondents between 11 and 30 years post-graduation. While 44% (112/252) of respondents agreed, or strongly agreed, that genetic testing was relevant to their practice today, relevance to future practice was reported significantly higher at 84% (212/251) (t = -9.82, p < 0.001). Ninety three percent (235/254) of respondents reported rarely or never ordering genetic testing. Dermatologists who viewed genetic testing as relevant to current practice were more likely to have discussed (p < 0.001) and/or offered testing (p < 0.001). Respondents indicated high confidence in discussing family history of melanoma, but lower confidence in ordering genetic tests and interpreting results. Eighty four percent (207/247) believed that genetic testing could negatively impact life insurance, while only 26% (63/244) were aware of the moratorium on using genetic test results in underwriting in Australia. A minority (22%, 55/254) reported prior continuing education in genetics. Face-to-face courses were the preferred learning modality for upskilling.Conclusion: Australian Dermatologists widely recognise the relevance of genetic testing to future practice, yet few currently order genetic tests. Future educational interventions could focus on how to order appropriate genetic tests and interpret results, as well as potential implications on insurance.

背景：据称，黑色素瘤基因检测能够提高预防行为而不会造成心理伤害。针对家族性黑色素瘤风险的基因检测目前已可获取，然而关于皮肤科医生对检测效用及基因检测预约行为的认知却知之甚少。目标：调查澳大利亚和新西兰皮肤科医生对基因检测效用感知、当前临床应用情况，以及他们对提供基因组教育的信心和偏好。方法：于2021年3月，基于先前验证的工具，向澳大利亚和新西兰皮肤科医师学院的认证会员发送了包含37个问题的调查问卷。定量项目进行了统计分析，一个开放式问题进行了定性分析。结果：回复率为56%（256/461），其中60%（153/253）的受访者毕业11至30年后。尽管44%（112/252）的受访者表示同意或强烈同意基因检测与其当前实践的相关性，但对于未来实践的相关性报告显著更高，达到84%（212/251）（t = -9.82，p < 0.001）。93%（235/254）的受访者表示很少或从未预约基因检测。将基因检测视为当前实践相关性的皮肤科医生更有可能讨论（p < 0.001）和/或提供检测（p < 0.001）。受访者表示在讨论黑色素瘤家族史方面具有高度的信心，但在预约基因检测和解读结果方面信心较低。84%（207/247）的人认为基因检测可能对人寿保险产生负面影响，而只有26%（63/244）的人意识到在澳大利亚禁止在保险承保中使用基因检测结果。少数（22%，55/254）的人报告了先前在遗传学方面的继续教育。面对面课程是提升技能的首选学习方式。结论：澳大利亚皮肤科医生普遍认识到基因检测对未来实践的相关性，但当前很少有人预约基因检测。未来的教育干预措施可以专注于如何预约合适的基因检测和解读结果，以及潜在对保险的影响。