Visual explainers help doctors 'translate' genetic reports to families

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-10-30 00:01

Australia; International; VIC; WA

SORASIT SRIKHAM-ON

A new study from Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) has found clinicians can benefit from plain language guides and graphics about genetic testing, ensuring that families can be given the most accurate information on their genetic results.

Media release

From: Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)

A new study from Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) has found clinicians can benefit from plain language guides and graphics about genetic testing.

The research, published in Archives of Diseases in Childhood, trialled the use of easy-to-understand visual genetic explainers in Australia and Ireland.

It reported the vast majority of doctors, paediatricians and other clinicians who accessed these guides, designed by the research team, felt they were a useful tool.

While genetic tests can provide rapid answers to Australian families, the reports are often difficult to interpret for health professionals who are not specialists in this field.

By improving the understanding of genomic medicine in our doctors and paediatrician, families can be given the most accurate information on their genetic results.

Available for interview:

MCRI researcher Dr Gráinne Butler

Journal/
conference: Archives of Diseases in Childhood

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), The University of Melbourne, The University of Western Australia, Monash University

Funder: This research project was funded by the Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance.

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