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Table 4 Barriers to the return of IFs

From: To disclose, or not to disclose? Perspectives of clinical genomics professionals toward returning incidental findings from genomic research

Barriers

Major barrier

Minor barrier

Uncertain clinical utility of IFs

93 (83.0)

19 (17.0)

Possibility that participants will misunderstand IFs

73 (64.6)

40 (35.4)

Potential for causing emotional harm to the study participants

63 (55.8)

50 (44.2)

Need to ensure access to trained clinician after disclosure of IFs

70 (61.9)

43 (38.1)

Potential for loss of confidentiality

72 (63.7)

41 (36.3)

Possibility that association with IFs may not be valid

68 (60.7)

44 (39.3)

Need to use a clinically certified lab

75 (66.4)

38 (33.6)

Concern about adequacy of clinical follow-up

73 (64.6)

40 (35.4)

Potential to distort the line between research and clinical care

54 (47.8)

59 (52.2)

Possibility of social discrimination

65 (57.5)

48 (42.5)

Concern over liability for adverse outcomes of IFs disclosure

65 (57.5)

48 (42.5)

Time commitment required to return IFs

52 (46.0)

61 (54.0)

Possibility that genotyping may be inaccurate

75 (66.4)

38 (33.6)

Need to keep contact patients information update

56 (50.0)

56 (50.0)

Need to keep up to date with relevant associations of IFs with the disease

64 (56.6)

49 (43.4)

Cost of returning IFs to participants

64 (56.6)

49 (43.4)