A preliminary investigation of genetic counselors’ information needs when receiving a variant of uncertain significance result: a mixed methods study

PURPOSE: To explore genetic counselors’ information preferences on reports of variant of uncertain significance (VUS) results from cancer genetic testing. METHODS: This mixed methods report (quantitative and qualitative approaches) utilized a survey of genetic counselors containing closed- and open-ended questions to explore genetic counselors’ information needs and perceptions of the industry’s current information sharing practices. Descriptive statistics were calculated for responses to the closed-ended questions and thematic analysis guided the interpretation of the open-ended questions. RESULTS: Of the 267 participants (28.6% response rate), the majority indicated a perceived lack of information on VUS laboratory reports, were concerned about the perceived practice of withholding information, and stated the information they wanted to see. Although most did not indicate how additional information would be used, some reported they would provide information directly to patients, and others reported the information would be used to contextualize the VUS result when counseling patients. CONCLUSION: This analysis identified information genetic counselors believe is needed on VUS reports indicating what they believe are best practices in lieu of guidelines for laboratories currently providing genetic testing services, and implies needed guidelines for reporting VUS. Future studies should explore how genetic counselors use additional information contained on VUS reports.