| 1. |
- Laurie, Steven, et al.
(författare)
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The RD-Connect Genome-Phenome Analysis Platform : Accelerating diagnosis, research, and gene discovery for rare diseases
- 2022
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Ingår i: Human Mutation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1059-7794 .- 1098-1004. ; 43:6, s. 717-733
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rare disease patients are more likely to receive a rapid molecular diagnosis nowadays thanks to the wide adoption of next-generation sequencing. However, many cases remain undiagnosed even after exome or genome analysis, because the methods used missed the molecular cause in a known gene, or a novel causative gene could not be identified and/or confirmed. To address these challenges, the RD-Connect Genome-Phenome Analysis Platform (GPAP) facilitates the collation, discovery, sharing, and analysis of standardized genome-phenome data within a collaborative environment. Authorized clinicians and researchers submit pseudonymised phenotypic profiles encoded using the Human Phenotype Ontology, and raw genomic data which is processed through a standardized pipeline. After an optional embargo period, the data are shared with other platform users, with the objective that similar cases in the system and queries from peers may help diagnose the case. Additionally, the platform enables bidirectional discovery of similar cases in other databases from the Matchmaker Exchange network. To facilitate genome-phenome analysis and interpretation by clinical researchers, the RD-Connect GPAP provides a powerful user-friendly interface and leverages tens of information sources. As a result, the resource has already helped diagnose hundreds of rare disease patients and discover new disease causing genes.
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| 2. |
- Bayliss, Kerin, et al.
(författare)
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Perceptions of predictive testing for those at risk of developing a chronic inflammatory disease : a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Risk Research. - : ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 1366-9877 .- 1466-4461. ; 21:2, s. 167-189
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The availability of tests to predict the risk of developing chronic diseases is increasing. The identification of individuals at high risk of disease can trigger early intervention to reduce the risk of disease and its severity. In order for predictive tests to be accepted and used by those at risk, there is a need to understand people's perceptions of predictive testing.Method: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research that explored patient and public perceptions of predictive testing for chronic inflammatory diseases was conducted. Studies were coded by researchers and patient research partners, and then organised into common themes associated with the acceptability or use of predictive testing.Results: Perceived barriers to predictive testing were identified, including a concern about a lack of confidentiality around the use of risk information; a lack of motivation for change; poor communication of information; and a possible impact on emotional well-being. In order to reduce these barriers, the literature shows that a patient-centred approach is required at each stage of the testing process. This includes the consideration of individual needs, such as accessibility and building motivation for change; readily available and easy to understand pre and post-test information; support for patients on how to deal with the implications of their results; and the development of condition specific lifestyle intervention programmes to facilitate sustainable lifestyle changes.Conclusion: Patients and members of the public had some concerns about predictive testing; however, a number of strategies to reduce barriers and increase acceptability are available. Further research is required to inform the development of a resource that supports the individual to make an informed decision about whether to engage in a predictive test, what test results mean, and how to access post-test support.
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| 3. |
- Drevin, Jennifer, et al.
(författare)
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Patients' views on using human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease : an interview study
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Medical Ethics. - : Springer Nature. - 1472-6939. ; 23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) as a source for the development of advanced therapy medicinal products are considered for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Research has shown promising results and opened an avenue of great importance for patients who currently lack a disease modifying therapy. The use of hESC has given rise to moral concerns and been the focus of often heated debates on the moral status of human embryos. Approval for marketing is still pending.Objective: To Investigate the perspectives and concerns of patients with PD, patients being the directly concerned stakeholders in the ethical discussion.Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews related to this new therapy in seventeen patients from two Swedish cities.Results: The participants expressed various interests related to the use of human embryos for development of medicinal therapies; however, overall, they were positive towards the use of hESC for treatment of PD. It was deemed important that the donating woman or couple made the choice to donate embryos voluntarily. Furthermore, there were concerns that the industry does not always prioritise the patient over profit; thus, transparency was seen as important.
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| 4. |
- Engström, Gunnar, et al.
(författare)
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The Swedish CArdioPulmonary BioImage Study : objectives and design
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : Wiley. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 278:6, s. 645-659
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cardiopulmonary diseases are major causes of death worldwide, but currently recommended strategies for diagnosis and prevention may be outdated because of recent changes in risk factor patterns. The Swedish CArdioPulmonarybioImage Study (SCAPIS) combines the use of new imaging technologies, advances in large-scale 'omics' and epidemiological analyses to extensively characterize a Swedish cohort of 30 000 men and women aged between 50 and 64 years. The information obtained will be used to improve risk prediction of cardiopulmonary diseases and optimize the ability to study disease mechanisms. A comprehensive pilot study in 1111 individuals, which was completed in 2012, demonstrated the feasibility and financial and ethical consequences of SCAPIS. Recruitment to the national, multicentre study has recently started.
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| 5. |
- Frygner-Holm, Sara, et al.
(författare)
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Pretend Play as an Intervention for Children With Cancer : A Feasibility Study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing. - : Sage Publications. - 1043-4542 .- 1532-8457. ; 37:1, s. 65-75
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Children with cancer suffer from symptoms and burdensome treatments that often cause distress to children and their families. Mortality is one aspect of cancer diagnosis, while another is the quality of life and well-being during and after the treatment. By supporting children's communication, self-efficacy and coping ability in the care situation, children are given the possibilities for increased independence and participation and are allowed to develop an influence over their care. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an adult-facilitated pretend play intervention for children with cancer. Five children with ongoing treatment for cancer were invited to a play intervention that consisted of six to eight sessions of structured pretend play aimed at increasing participation, independence, and well-being. A mixed method design was used to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the play intervention. Measures were collected before and after interventions, and in conjunction with every play session. Results suggest that the children enjoyed the play intervention. Findings indicate small improvements regarding self-efficacy in care situations and equal or increased quality of life for participants. A main finding was that no adverse events or increased worrying was reported in conjunction with play sessions. Therefore, the intervention is regarded as safe, feasible, and acceptable as reported by participants and their primary caregivers and a possible means of increasing participation and independence in children with a cancer diagnosis.
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| 6. |
- Garnier, Nicolas, et al.
(författare)
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Genetic newborn screening and digital technologies : A project protocol based on a dual approach to shorten the rare diseases diagnostic path in Europe
- 2023
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 18:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Since 72% of rare diseases are genetic in origin and mostly paediatrics, genetic newborn screening represents a diagnostic "window of opportunity". Therefore, many gNBS initiatives started in different European countries. Screen4Care is a research project, which resulted of a joint effort between the European Union Commission and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations. It focuses on genetic newborn screening and artificial intelligence-based tools which will be applied to a large European population of about 25.000 infants. The neonatal screening strategy will be based on targeted sequencing, while whole genome sequencing will be offered to all enrolled infants who may show early symptoms but have resulted negative at the targeted sequencing-based newborn screening. We will leverage artificial intelligence-based algorithms to identify patients using Electronic Health Records (EHR) and to build a repository "symptom checkers" for patients and healthcare providers. S4C will design an equitable, ethical, and sustainable framework for genetic newborn screening and new digital tools, corroborated by a large workout where legal, ethical, and social complexities will be addressed with the intent of making the framework highly and flexibly translatable into the diverse European health systems.
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| 7. |
- Grauman, Åsa, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Attitudes and values among the Swedish general public to using human embryonic stem cells for medical treatment
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Medical Ethics. - : Springer Nature. - 1472-6939. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The use of human embryonic stem cells (ES cells) for the development of medical therapies is surrounded with moral concerns. The aim of this study was to assess the public's attitudes toward the use of ES cells for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other diseases, what factors are most important to consider when using ES cells for drug development, and if there is an association between religious beliefs and attitudes toward using ES cells for medical treatment.Methods: A randomly selected sample of the Swedish public, aged 18-87-years-old, completed an online survey (n = 467). The survey assessed socio-demographics, religious views, perceived moral status of the embryo, and attitudes toward using ES cells for medical treatment of PD and other diseases. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for positive vs. negative attitude toward using ES cells for drug development were computed using logistic regression.Results: The respondents were positive about using ES for treatment; specifically, 70% totally agreed that it is acceptable to use ES cells for treatment of PD, while 40% totally agreed that it is acceptable to use ES cells for treatment but induced pluripotent cells is just as efficient. Religion being of little importance in one's life was associated with a positive attitude toward using ES cells for treatment of PD (adjusted OR 6.39, 95% CI 2.78-14.71). The importance of being able "to access new, effective treatments against diseases that do not have any treatment available " was ranked as the most important factor to consider when using ES cells for drug development.Conclusion: Most respondents are positive about using ES cells for drug development, and making effective treatments accessible to those who do not have any. However, these attitudes are influenced by the specific disorder that the drug development is intended for, as well as the religious views and perceived moral status of the early embryo.
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| 8. |
- Grauman, Åsa, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Communicating test results from a general health checkup: the public’s preferences from a discrete choice experiment survey
- 2021
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Ingår i: Patient Related Outcome Measures. - : Springer Nature. - 1179-271X. ; 14:5, s. 649-660
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Health checks can detect risk factors and initiate prevention of cardiovascular diseases but there is no consensus on how to communicate the results. The aim of this study was to investigate the preferences of the general population for communicating health check results.Methods: A randomly selected sample of the Swedish population aged 40–70 years completed a discrete choice experiment survey that included questions on sociodemographics, lifestyle and health and 15 choice questions consisting of six attributes (written results, notification method, consultation time, waiting time, lifestyle recommendation and cost). Data were analyzed with a latent class analysis (LCA). Relative importance of the attributes and predicted uptake for several scenarios were estimated.Results: In the analysis, 432 individuals were included (response rate 29.6%). A three-class LCA model best fit the data. Cost was the most important attribute in all classes. Preferences heterogeneity was found for the other attributes; in Class 1, receiving consultation time and the written results were important, respondents in Class 2 dominated on costs and respondents in Class 3 found consultation time, waiting time and lifestyle recommendations to be important. Health literate respondents were more likely to belong to Class 3. The predicted uptake rates ranged from 7 to 88% for different health checks with large differences across the classes.Conclusions: Cost was most important when deciding whether to participate in a health check. Although cost was the most important factor, it is not sufficient to offer health checks free-of-charge if other requirements regarding how the test results are communicated are not in place; participants need to be able to understand their results.
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| 9. |
- Grauman, Åsa, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring research participants' perceptions of cardiovascular risk information-Room for improvement and empowerment
- 2019
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Ingår i: Patient Education and Counseling. - : Elsevier BV. - 0738-3991 .- 1873-5134. ; 102:8, s. 1528-1534
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore research participants' (adults, age 50-65) perceptions of receiving cardiovascular risk information.METHODS: Five focus group interviews (N = 31) were performed with research participants aged 50-65 who participated in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary BioImage Study (SCAPIS). The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.RESULTS: The categories; the complexity of cardiovascular risk; insufficient presentation of test result; emotional responses; and health examinations provides confirmation, emerged. The test results were written in medical terms and lacked recommendations for further action which made it difficult for lay people to understand and use, and for some, also caused unnecessary worry.CONCLUSION: There was inadequate guidance concerning the implications of the test results, especially for participants without clinical findings. In order to allow research participants to obtain better cognitive and behavioral control, improvements are needed with regard to how personal risk information is communicated in research projects connected to health services.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The participants largely relied on physical signs when assessing their own cardiovascular risk. Health examinations are crucial for helping to add nuance to individuals' risk perceptions. For personal health information to have any real value for individuals, it must be designed from a user perspective.
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| 10. |
- Grauman, Åsa, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Good general health and lack of family history influence the underestimation of cardiovascular risk : A cross sectional study
- 2021
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : Oxford University Press. - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 20:7, s. 676-683
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims Underestimation of cardiovascular risk may interfere with prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We investigate whether general health and family history of myocardial infarction (MI) are associated with underestimation of perceived cardiovascular risk, and if the participants' calculated risk modifies that association.Methods and results The analysis sample consisted of 526 individuals, 50-64 years old, from a population-based cohort study. Information on general health (poor/fairly good, good, and very good/excellent), family history of MI, and self-perceived risk relative to others of similar age and sex were collected though a web-based survey. Participants were categorized into underestimation (n = 162, 31%), accurate estimation (n = 222, 42%), and overestimation (n = 142, 27%) of cardiovascular risk by comparing calculated Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation (SCORE) with self-perceived risk. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for underestimation vs. accurate estimation of cardiovascular risk were computed using logistic regression (n = 384). Very good general health (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.10-6.16) and lack of family history (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.24-4.18) were associated with underestimation of cardiovascular risk. The associations were modified by the participants' calculated risk level; the association was stronger for high-risk individuals; without family history OR 22.57 (95% CI 6.17-82.54); with very good/excellent health OR 15.78 (95% CI 3.73-66.87).Conclusion A good general health and the lack of family CVD history can obscure the presence of other risk factors and lead to underestimation of cardiovascular risk, especially for high-risk individuals. It is, therefore, crucial to address the fact that the development of CV disease may be silent and multifactorial.
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| 11. |
- Grauman, Åsa, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Short-term mental distress in research participants after receiving cardiovascular risk information
- 2019
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE. - 1932-6203. ; 14:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Understanding of how cardiovascular risk information influence individuals is critical for the practice of risk assessment and the management of patients with cardiovascular disease.OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate change in mental distress among research participants after undergoing a cardiovascular risk assessment and receiving individual test results.METHODS: In 2017, a questionnaire measuring mental distress after taking part in a risk assessment was distributed among 615 participants in the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bio Image Study in Uppsala, Sweden, aged 50-64 years. Outcome measures were re-assessed after three months (30% were lost to follow-up).RESULTS: There were no differences in outcomes after three months for participants with normal test results or for participants who were referred to primary health care. Mental distress increased in participants who were referred to the hospital, and were further explained by the fact that these participants were diagnosed with coronary artery stenosis.CONCLUSIONS: CV risk information can be provided to individuals with lower levels of risk without concerns of inducing mental distress. However, in order to prevent unnecessary worry in contexts similar to this study, one should be prepared for different risk outcomes and plan for support for individuals with higher risk. The increased utility of powerful, yet not fully mature, imaging techniques requires careful considerations extending beyond medical risks and benefits; the clinician must also take into account the risk of mental distress and secure support when necessary.
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| 12. |
- Grauman, Åsa, 1982-
(författare)
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The publics’ perspective on cardiovascular risk information : Implications for practice
- 2021
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Lay people struggle to understand the implications of cardiovascular risk information. With new advanced testing techniques and the digitalization of personal health information, the communication of cardiovascular risk becomes a challenge. The overall aim of the thesis was to investigate the publics’ perspective of cardiovascular risk information through a multi-method approach, including how individuals perceive risk, factors affecting an underestimation of risk, how cardiovascular risk communication affects individuals’ psychosocial health, and their preferences for risk communication. In study I, research participants’ perceptions about risk information were explored in five focus group interviews. The participants’ (n=31) perceptions about cardiovascular risk were complex, where multifactorial aspects were disregarded. The communication of cardiovascular risk information did not meet the participants’ need for understanding, support, and guidance regarding what to do with this information. Study II was a before-after investigation regarding the impact of cardiovascular risk information on research participants’ health-related quality of life and mental distress. Increased worry and anxiety were observed in individuals referred to hospital because of coronary artery stenosis. Study III was a cross-sectional study, which found that individuals with a very good or excellent self-perceived general health and individuals without a family history of CVD were more likely to underestimate their cardiovascular risk compared to participants with poor or fairly good general health and without a family history. Study IV was a cross-sectional study, investigating the preferences of the Swedish population for communication of cardiovascular risk information from a health checkup using a Discrete Choice Experiment. Besides cost, consultation time was the most important aspect when communicating cardiovascular risk. The findings suggest that cardiovascular risk communication does not reach its fullest potential when it comes to recipients’ perspective of the benefits of CV risk communication. Improvements should aim at increasing the recipients’ personal control and health literacy and furthermore, acknowledge the fact that self-perceived risk is influenced by how a person feels in general and experiences of family history.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Johnsson, Åse (Allansdotter), 1966, et al.
(författare)
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Incidental findings and their handling in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioimage study (SCAPIS)
- 2017
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Ingår i: Incidental Radiological Findings. - Cham : Springer International Publishing. - 0942-5373 .- 2197-4187. - 9783319425818 - 9783319425795 - 9783319826127 ; , s. 91-101
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) combines the use of new imaging technologies, large-scale proteomics/metabolomics/genomics, and epidemiological analyses to extensively characterize a Swedish cohort of 30,000 men and women aged between 50 and 64 years. Its main aims are to improve risk prediction and to optimize our ability to study mechanisms of cardiopulmonary diseases. SCAPIS is currently recruiting at six sites in Sweden, and a pilot study was conducted in 2012 to test the feasibility of the comprehensive study protocol. In the planning phase, it was recognized that the detailed phenotyping used in SCAPIS would identify a large number of clinical findings in need of medical attention. This was confirmed by evaluation of results from the pilot study. Here we focus on pulmonary nodules and asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis. These clinical features were observed in a large number of participants, and the clinical handing and prognosis related to these observations are unclear. They thus posed great challenges for the study in their practical and ethical handling. This chapter describes how we developed procedures to handle these findings based on existing evidence and expert consensus as well as deliberations on ethical issues.
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| 16. |
- Lochmueller, Hanns, et al.
(författare)
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The Position of Neuromuscular Patients in Shared Decision Making. Report from the 235th ENMC Workshop : Milan, Italy, January 19-20, 2018
- 2019
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Ingår i: JOURNAL OF NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES. - : IOS Press. - 2214-3599 .- 2214-3602. ; 6:1, s. 161-172
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the era of patient-centered medicine, shared decision-making (SDM) - in which healthcare professionals and patients exchange information and preferences and jointly reach a decision - has emerged as the gold standard model for the provision of formal healthcare. Indeed, in many geographical settings, patients are frequently invited to participate in choices concerning the design and delivery of their medical management. From a clinical perspective, benefits of this type of patient involvement encompass, for example, enhanced treatment satisfaction, improved medical compliance, better health outcomes, and maintained or promoted quality of life. Yet, although the theory and enactment of SDM in healthcare are well-described in the literature [1-3], comparatively less attention has been devoted to contextualizing questions relating to if, when, and how to include patients in decisions within medical research. In this context, patient involvement would be expected to be potentially relevant for and applicable to a wide range of activities and processes, from the identification of research priorities and development of grant applications, to the design of patient information and consent procedures, formulation of interventions, identification and recruitment of study sample populations, feasibility of a clinical trial, identification, selection, and specification of endpoints and outcomes in clinical trials and observational studies, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of results. To this end, 45 clinicians, healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, caregivers, and representatives from regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical companies from 15 different countries met to discuss the level of involvement of patients with neuromuscular diseases, specifically in the following settings of medical research for neuromuscular diseases: i) registries and biobanks; ii) clinical trials; and iii) regulatory processes. In this report, we present summaries of the talks that were given during the workshop, as well as discussion outcomes from the three topic areas listed above.
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| 17. |
- Matar, Amal, et al.
(författare)
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"A perfect society" : Swedish policymakers' ethical and social views on preconception expanded carrier screening
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of Community Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1868-310X .- 1868-6001. ; 10:2, s. 267-280
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To improve healthcare policymaking, commentators have recommended the use of evidence, health technology assessment, priority setting, and public engagement in the process of policymaking. Preconception expanded carrier screening, according to the World Health Organization’s definition, is a novel health technology and therefore warrants assessment, part of which involves evaluating ethical and social implications. We examined ten Swedish policymakers’ perspectives on ethical and social aspects of preconception expanded screening through in-depth expert interviewing, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Respondents were affiliated to governmental and non-governmental institutions that directly influence healthcare policymaking in Sweden. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed via inductive thematic analysis method, which generated seven themes and several subthemes. Policymakers harbored concerns regarding the economics, Swedish and international political respects, implementation procedures, and societal effects, which included long-term ones. Moreover, participants detailed the role of public engagement, research, and responsibility in regard to preconception expanded carrier screening implementation. Since this is a qualitative study, with a small non-random sample, the results may not be generalizable to all policymakers in Sweden. However, the results give a profound insight into the process and interpretative knowledge of experts, in the Swedish milieu and the extent of readiness of Sweden to implement a preconception expanded carrier screening program.
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| 18. |
- Matar, Amal, et al.
(författare)
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A proposal for an international Code of Conduct for data sharing in genomics
- 2022
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Ingår i: Developing World Bioethics. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1471-8731 .- 1471-8847. ; 23:4, s. 344-357
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- As genomic research becomes commonplace across the world, there is an increased need to coordinate practices among researchers, especially with regard to data sharing. One such way is an international code of conduct. In September 2020, an expert panel consisting of representatives from various fields convened to discuss a draft proposal formed via a synthesis of existing professional codes and other recommendations. This article presents an overview and analysis of the main issues related to international genomic research that were discussed by the expert panel, and the results of the discussion and follow up responses by the experts. As a result, the article presents as an annex a proposal for an international code of conduct for data sharing in genomics that is meant to establish best practices.
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| 19. |
- Matar, Amal
(författare)
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Considering a Baby? Responsible Screening for the Future : Ethical and social implications for implementation and use of preconception expanded carrier screening in Sweden
- 2019
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Preconception expanded carrier screening is a novel technology that involves the offer of a screening test for many recessive diseases (via an expanded screening panel) to prospective parents, with no priori risk. Test positive couples have a number of reproductive choices; prenatal diagnosis and aborting affected fetus, IVF and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, sperm or ovum donation or simply accept the risk. The test had been piloted in studies and can potentially be implemented in Europe. Therefore, it seemed pertinent to evaluate stakeholders’ perspectives on ethical and social implications of implementing and using preconception ECS in Sweden.Two main stakeholders were examined; healthcare professionals and health policymaking experts, via a mix of qualitative methods for data collection and data analysis. In Study I, we employed in-depth interviews to collect data and content analysis to analyze it. In Studies III and IV, expert interviews were used to gather data while thematic analysis was utilized to interpret it. Furthermore, in Study II, an ethical concept namely; reproductive autonomy, was critically discussed within a setting that expects a couple to make a conjoint reproductive decision about preconception ECS, while each partner still upholds his or her individual autonomy.The main findings of the empirical studies (Studies I, III and IV) echo to a great extent the prevailing ethical and social debates associated with the novel technology. Respondents expressed concerns with reproductive autonomy, medicalization, prioritization of health resources, discrimination and long term societal changes. Furthermore, respondents emphasized the importance to observe Swedish values, such as human dignity, equality and solidarity, when assessing a preconception ECS program. In addition, they described practicalities of implementation and political considerations that are pertinent to the Swedish context. Finally, some respondents recognized the advantages of reduced suffering and decrease in fetal anomalies and abortion as a consequence of preconception ECS.Study II, proposed a notion of couple autonomy, where certain demands if met, a couple’s reproductive decision can be accepted by healthcare staff as autonomous.The findings, in this thesis, steer towards non implementation of preconception ECS in its current status within the publicly-funded healthcare system in Sweden. This is because healthcare providers and experts were of the opinion that it would not solve a medical need, threaten Swedish values and use up resources extensively.
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| 20. |
- Matar, Amal, et al.
(författare)
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Values and value conflicts in implementation and use of preconception expanded carrier screening : an expert interview study
- 2019
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Ingår i: BMC Medical Ethics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6939. ; 20
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Endeavors have been made to found and incorporate ethical values in most aspects of healthcare, including health technology assessment. Health technologies and their assessment are value-laden and could trigger problems with dissemination if they contradict societal norms. Per WHO definition, preconception expanded carrier screening is a new health technology that warrants assessment. It is a genetic test offered to couples who have no known risk of recessive genetic diseases and are interested pregnancy. A test may screen for carrier status of several autosomal recessive diseases and X-linked at one go. The technique has been piloted in the Netherlands and is discussed in other countries. The aim of the study was to examine values and value conflicts that healthcare experts recounted in relation to the discussion of implementation and use of preconception ECS in Sweden.Methods: We interviewed ten experts, who were associated with influencing health policymaking in Sweden. We employed systematizing expert interviews, which endeavor to access experts' specialist knowledge. There were four female and six male informants, of which four were physicians, three bioethicists, one a legal expert, one a theologian and one a political party representative in the parliament. The participants functioned as members of two non-governmental bodies and three governmental organizations. We employed thematic analysis to identify themes, categories and subcategories.Results: Two main themes surfaced: values and value conflicts. The main categories of Respect for persons, Solidarity, Human dignity, Do no harm, Health and Love formed the first theme, while values conflicting with autonomy and integrity respectively, constituted the second theme. Concepts relating to respect for persons were the most commonly mentioned among the participants, followed by notions alluding to solidarity. Furthermore, respondents discussed values conflicting with Swedish healthcare ones such as equality and solidarity.Conclusions: The experts highlighted values and concepts that are distinctive of welfare states such as Sweden and delineated how preconception ECS could challenge such values. Moreover, the analysis revealed that certain values were deemed more substantive than others, judging by the extent and detail of inference; for example, respect for persons and solidarity were on top of the list.
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| 21. |
- Renzi, Chiara, et al.
(författare)
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From Epigenetic Associations to Biological and Psychosocial Explanations in Mental Health.
- 2018
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Ingår i: Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. - : Elsevier. - 1877-1173 .- 1878-0814. ; 158, s. 299-323
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of mental disorders constitutes a complex phenomenon driven by unique social, psychological and biological factors such as genetics and epigenetics, throughout an individual's life course. Both environmental and genetic factors have an impact on mental health phenotypes and act simultaneously to induce changes in brain and behavior. Here, we describe and critically evaluate the current literature on gene-environment interactions and epigenetics on mental health by highlighting recent human and animal studies. We furthermore review some of the main ethical and social implications concerning gene-environment interactions and epigenetics and provide explanations and suggestions on how to move from statistical and epigenetic associations to biological and psychological explanations within a multi-disciplinary and integrative approach of understanding mental health.
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| 22. |
- Rubinstein, Yaffa R., et al.
(författare)
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The case for open science : rare diseases
- 2020
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Ingår i: JAMIA Open. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2574-2531. ; 3:3, s. 472-486
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The premise of Open Science is that research and medical management will progress faster if data and knowledge are openly shared. The value of Open Science is nowhere more important and appreciated than in the rare disease (RD) community. Research into RDs has been limited by insufficient patient data and resources, a paucity of trained disease experts, and lack of therapeutics, leading to long delays in diagnosis and treatment. These issues can be ameliorated by following the principles and practices of sharing that are intrinsic to Open Science. Here, we describe how the RD community has adopted the core pillars of Open Science, adding new initiatives to promote care and research for RD patients and, ultimately, for all of medicine. We also present recommendations that can advance Open Science more globally.
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| 23. |
- Schölin Bywall, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Does being exposed to an educational tool influence patient preferences? The influence of an educational tool on patient preferences assessed by a discrete choice experiment.
- 2021
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Ingår i: Patient Education and Counseling. - : Elsevier BV. - 0738-3991 .- 1873-5134. ; 104:10, s. 2577-2585
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: There is an increased interest in patient preferences informing the development and authorisation of medical products. A requirement for robust and meaningful results of such studies is that patients adequately understand the risks and benefits associated with treatments for which their preferences are elicited. This study aims to determine the influence of an educational tool, compared with traditional written information on patient preferences elicited in a discrete choice experiment (DCE).Methods: Treatment preferences of Swedish patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were assessed using a DCE. Patients were recruited via clinics, a research panel, and the Swedish Rheumatism Association. Respondents received training materials either as plain written text or as an online educational tool. The educational tool was designed to enhance understanding of the written text by using graphics, pictograms, icon arrays, spoken text, and click-on functions. Data were analysed using random parameter logit models.Results: 675 patients with RA were included in the analysis. The patients received either a written information (n = 358) or information via an educational tool (n = 317). Respondents receiving the educational tool placed relatively more importance on all included side effects in their decision making, compared to respondents receiving the written text, who placed greater importance on treatment effectiveness and administration methods.Conclusion: Compared to the respondents receiving the written text, the decisions of respondents receiving the educational tool were more influenced by medication side effects. Further research is needed to provide guidance on how and when to use educational tools to inform and elicit patients’ preferences.Practice implications: The ways in which attributes are presented to patients significantly impacts preferences measured in a DCE.
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| 24. |
- Schölin Bywall, Karin
(författare)
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Getting a Say : Bringing patients’ views on benefit-risk into medical approvals
- 2021
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The focus of this thesis is a new quantitative approach to consider patient preferences on benefits and risks in medical approvals. The overall aim of this thesis was to explore how patient preference information may be relevant to regulatory marketing authorisation decisions.Study I provides an overview of the different decision-processes of industry, regulatory agencies and health technology assessment bodies/reimbursement agencies along the medical product lifecycle. In total, 15 decision points with the potential to include patient preference information were identified. Study II was an exploration of the patient perspective regarding the use of patient preference information in regulatory marketing authorisation decisions. Patients emphasised the need to have a say in decisions affecting their health and to be properly informed about potential risks and benefits of medical products. Study III assessed patient preferences on benefits and risks of Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments. Results revealed that patients’ preferences differed substantially. The three most important treatment attributes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis were: the probability of severe side effects, treatment effectiveness and route of administration. Those placing relatively more importance on treatment effectiveness were willing to acceptance higher risk levels of side effects. Study IV aimed to determine the influence of an educational tool, compared with traditional written information on patient preferences. It was found that those respondents receiving the educational tool focused more on the potential side effects than those receiving written information. Patient preference information has the potential to reveal patients’ preferences on benefits and risks with scientific rigour and can therefore be weighed against clinical data. This thesis supports the development of a structured approach to learn about patient preferences on benefits and risks in medical approvals
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| 25. |
- Schölin Bywall, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Patient Perspectives on the Value of Patient Preference Information in Regulatory Decision Making : A Qualitative Study in Swedish Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
- 2019
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Ingår i: Patient. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1178-1653 .- 1178-1661. ; 12:3, s. 297-305
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundThere is increasing interest in involving patient preferences for benefits and risks in regulatory decision making. Therefore, it is essential to identify patient perspectives regarding the value of patient preference information (PPI).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore how patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) value the use of PPI in regulatory decision making regarding medical products.MethodsRegulators and patients with RA were interviewed to gather initial insights into opinions on the use of PPI in regulatory decisions regarding medical products. The interviews were used to draft and validate the interview guide for focus groups with patients with RA. Participants were purposively sampled in collaboration with the Swedish Rheumatism Association in Stockholm and Uppsala. Each focus group consisted of three to six patients (18 in total). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using content analysis.ResultsAccording to the participants, PPI could lead to regulators considering patients’ needs, lifestyles and well-being when making decisions. PPI was important in all stages of the medical product lifecycle. Participants reported that, when participating in a preference study, it is important to be well-informed about the use of the study and the development, components, administration, and risks related to the medical products.ConclusionsPatients thought PPI could be valuable to consider in regulatory decisions. It is essential for patients to be well-informed when asked for their preferences. Research on information materials to inform patients in preference studies is needed to increase the value of PPI in regulatory decision making.
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| 26. |
- Schölin Bywall, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Physical function and severe side effects matter most to patients with RA (< 5 years) : a discrete choice experiment assessing preferences for personalized RA treatment
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Rheumatology. - : BioMed Central Ltd. - 2520-1026. ; 7:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: Early assessment of patient preferences has the potential to support shared decisions in personalized precision medicine for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess treatment preferences of patients with RA (< 5 years) with previous experience of inadequate response to first-line monotherapy. Method: Patients were recruited (March–June 2021) via four clinics in Sweden. Potential respondents (N = 933) received an invitation to answer a digital survey. The survey included an introductory part, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and demographic questions. Each respondent answered 11 hypothetical choice questions as part of the DCE. Patient preferences and preference heterogeneity were estimated using random parameter logit models and latent class analysis models. Results: Patients (n = 182) assessed the most important treatment attributes out of physical functional capacity, psychosocial functional capacity, frequency of mild side effects and likelihood of severe side effects. In general, patients preferred a greater increase in functional capacity and decreased side effects. However, a substantial preference heterogeneity was identified with two underlying preference patterns. The most important attribute in the first pattern was the ‘likelihood of getting a severe side effect’. Physical functional capacity was the most important attribute in the second pattern. Conclusion: Respondents focused their decision-making mainly on increasing their physical functional capacity or decreasing the likelihood of getting a severe side effect. These results are highly relevant from a clinical perspective to strengthen communication in shared decision making by assessing patients’ individual preferences for benefits and risks in treatment discussions.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Schölin Bywall, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Would you consider donating your left-over embryos to treat Parkinson’s disease? : Interviews with individuals that underwent IVF in Sweden
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Medical Ethics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6939. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) has been considered to be one of the most promising target diseases for forthcoming cell-based therapy. The aim of this study is to explore the views of individuals with cryopreserved embryos on using human embryonic stem cells for treating PD.MethodsThe study was performed as a qualitative, semi-structured interview study in June–October 2020. Participants were recruited at a private fertility clinic located in one of the larger Swedish cities. The clinic provides both publicly financed and privately financed IVF-treatments. All interviews were performed by telephone and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Five main categories emerged from 27 sub-categories.ResultsIn total, 18 interviews were performed with 22 individuals, as either a couple (n = 16) or separately (n = 6). Participants had different views on what a cryopreserved embryo is. Some participants addressed cryopreserved embryos as ‘a lump of cells’, and some in terms of their ‘unborn child’. Conditions for donation of cryopreserved embryos for cell-based treatment in PD were: not losing control of what is happening to the embryo, that donating must be voluntary and based on informed consent with time for reflection, that reimbursement, equality and transparency.ConclusionsUsing cryopreserved embryos to treat PD is associated with fundamental ethical and practical issues. This study shows that IVF couples with left-over embryos may be supportive but there is a need for future research to assess people’s views on using cryopreserved embryos for cell-based treatment in PD on a more aggregated level.
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| 29. |
- Simons, Gwenda, et al.
(författare)
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Perceptions of first-degree relatives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis about lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions to reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis development : a qualitative interview study
- 2018
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Ingår i: BMC Rheumatology. - : Springer Nature. - 2520-1026. ; 2:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundThere is increasing interest in the identification of people at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to monitor the emergence of early symptoms (and thus allow early therapy), offer lifestyle advice to reduce the impact of environmental risk factors and potentially offer preventive pharmacological treatment for those at high risk. Close biological relatives of people with RA are at an increased risk of developing RA and are therefore potential candidates for research studies, screening initiatives and preventive interventions. To ensure the success of approaches of this kind, a greater understanding of the perceptions of this group relating to preventive measures is needed.MethodsTwenty-four first-degree relatives of patients with an existing diagnosis of RA from the UK, three from Germany and seven from Austria (age: 21-67 years) took part in semi-structured interviews exploring their perceptions of RA risk, preventive medicine and lifestyle changes to reduce RA risk. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsMany first-degree relatives indicated that they anticipated being happy to make lifestyle changes such as losing weight or changing their diet to modify their risk of developing RA. Participants further indicated that in order to make any lifestyle changes it would be useful to know their personal risk of developing RA. Others implied they would not contemplate making lifestyle changes, including stopping smoking, unless this would significantly reduce or eliminate their risk of developing RA. Many first-degree relatives had more negative perceptions about taking preventive medication to reduce their risk of RA, and listed concerns about potential side effects as one of the reasons for not wanting to take preventive medicines. Others would be more willing to consider drug interventions although some indicated that they would wish to wait until symptoms developed.ConclusionsInformation targeted at those considered to be at risk of RA should contain information about RA, the extent to which risk can be quantified at an individual level and how risk levels may differ depending on whether early symptoms are present. The benefits (and risks) of lifestyle changes and pharmacological interventions as potential preventive measures should be clearly described.
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| 30. |
- Stjernschantz Forsberg, Joanna, 1972-, et al.
(författare)
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Biobank research : who benefits from individual consent?
- 2011
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Ingår i: The BMJ. - : BMJ. - 1756-1833. ; 343:Oct 4, s. d5647-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Requiring informed consent for research on stored tissue samples and associated data safeguards the autonomy rights of donors. But Joanna Stjernschantz Forsberg, Mats Hansson, and Stefan Eriksson argue that this policy not only defeats the interest of society but also runs counter to the interests of the individuals it purports to protect.
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| 31. |
- Viberg, Jennifer, et al.
(författare)
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Making sense of genetic risk : A qualitative focus-group study of healthy participants in genomic research
- 2018
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Ingår i: Patient Education and Counseling. - : Elsevier BV. - 0738-3991 .- 1873-5134. ; 101:3, s. 422-427
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectiveIt is well known that research participants want to receive genetic risk information that is about high risks, serious diseases and potential preventive measures. The aim of this study was to explore, by qualitative means, something less well known: how do healthy research participants themselves make sense of genetic risk information?MethodA phenomenographic approach was chosen to explore research participants’ understanding and assessment of genetic risk. We conducted four focus-group (N = 16) interviews with participants in a research programme designed to identify biomarkers for cardiopulmonary disease.ResultsAmong the research participants, we found four ways of understanding genetic risk: as a binary concept, as an explanation, as revealing who I am (knowledge of oneself) and as affecting life ahead.ConclusionResearch participants tend to understand genetic risk as a binary concept. This does not necessarily imply a misunderstanding of, or an irrational approach to, genetic risk. Rather, it may have a heuristic function in decision-making.Practical implicationsRisk communication may be enhanced by tailoring the communication to the participants’ own lay conceptions. For example, researchers and counselors should address risk in binary terms, maybe looking out for how individual participants search for threshold figures.
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| 32. |
- Viberg, Jennifer, et al.
(författare)
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Research participants' preferences for receiving genetic risk information : a discrete choice experiment
- 2019
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Ingår i: Genetics in Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1098-3600 .- 1530-0366. ; 21:10, s. 2381-2389
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: This study aims to determine research participants’ preferences for receiving genetic risk information when participating in a scientific study that uses genome sequencing.Methods: A discrete choice experiment questionnaire was sent to 650 research participants (response rate 60.5%). Four attributes were selected for the questionnaire: type of disease, disease penetrance probability, preventive opportunity, and effectiveness of the preventive measure. Panel mixed logit models were used to determine attribute level estimates and the heterogeneity in preferences. Relative importance of the attribute and the predicted uptake for different information scenarios were calculated from the estimates. In addition, this study estimates predicted uptake for receiving genetic risk information in different scenarios.Results: All characteristics influenced research participants’ willingness to receive genetic risk information. The most important characteristic was the effectiveness of the preventive opportunity. Predicted uptake ranged between 28% and 98% depending on what preventive opportunities and levels of effectiveness were presented.Conclusion: Information about an effective preventive measure was most important for participants. They valued that attribute twice as much as the other attributes. Therefore, when there is an effective preventive measure, risk communication can be less concerned with the magnitude of the probability of developing disease.
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