Genetic testing remains a novel addition to workplace wellness initiatives, yet its potential implications are profound. Researchers from The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Michigan have embarked on a study aimed at uncovering the effects of integrating genetic testing into corporate health programmes while addressing the ethical and social considerations accompanying such advancements.
Their research, scheduled for publication in the August issue of Genetics in Medicine, offers a glimpse into how employees perceive and respond to employer-sponsored genetic testing initiatives. This study captures real-world perspectives following workplace genetic testing (wGT). It provides valuable insights into the decision-making processes of employers who contemplate incorporating genetic testing into their wellness strategies.
“Genetic testing could herald a new era in personal health management,” remarked Kunal Sanghavi, MBBS, M.S., CGC, Associate Director of Genetic Counseling at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, a key leader in the study. “Our findings are particularly pertinent as we explore genetic markers and their application in personalised medicine, potentially revolutionising targeted healthcare delivery.”
The survey-based study engaged participants from an extensive healthcare system encompassing approximately 30,000 employees; all offered genetic testing as part of their workplace benefits starting in the autumn of 2018. Conducted through a third-party service, this testing encompassed genes linked to heightened risks of cancer and heart disease and pharmacogenomic markers that influence medication responses and side effects.
Of the 776 respondents to the web survey, 418 opted for genetic testing and subsequently received their results. The survey collected data on their healthcare utilisation and behavioural changes post-testing. Notably, 12% of those tested discovered elevated cancer risks, while 9.5% identified heightened risks for heart disease. These individuals were significantly more inclined to seek medical advice (8.6 times more likely) and make lifestyle adjustments (3.23 times more likely), underscoring the potential behavioural impact of genetic insights.
“Many participants expressed that receiving their genetic results satisfied their curiosity about their health (74.7%),” noted Elizabeth Charnysh, M.S., CGC, a genetic counsellor at The Jackson Laboratory and the study’s lead author. She highlighted that individuals with negative results, indicating no increased risks, often found reassurance in their health status. However, Charnysh cautioned that genetic testing results should not overshadow other factors influencing disease risks, such as lifestyle choices and family medical history, a crucial point to keep in mind.
The study forms part of a broader initiative titled “Ethical, Legal, Social and Policy Implications of Workplace Genetic Testing,” spearheaded by Charles Lee, PhD, FACMG, and Scott Roberts, PhD, at The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Michigan, respectively. This multifaceted project aims to gather comprehensive insights from employees and employers regarding genetic testing in corporate settings, aiming to shape future workplace genetic testing policies nationwide.
“Understanding employee perspectives on workplace genetic testing is crucial,” explained Roberts, a professor of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan. “While it’s encouraging to see proactive health behaviours among those at increased disease risks, further research will determine if these benefits are sustained over time.”
The study not only illuminates the potential benefits of workplace genetic testing but also raises important ethical considerations. Issues such as privacy, the potential for undue stress from test results, and the equitable distribution of healthcare resources are critical areas that demand further exploration. However, the promising potential of workplace genetic testing for personalised health management should instil optimism. Insights gleaned from this research will inform future genetic testing initiatives, ensuring they are ethically sound and maximise potential health benefits while minimising potential harms.
While workplace genetic testing holds promise for personalised health management, its integration into corporate wellness programmes must be approached thoughtfully and ethically. The ongoing research by The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Michigan represents a significant step towards understanding and harnessing the potential of genetic information in the workplace, paving the way for informed policies prioritising employee health and wellbeing.
More information: Elizabeth Charnysh et al, Health care utilization and behavior changes after workplace genetic testing at a large US health care system, Genetics in Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101160
Journal information: Genetics in Medicine Provided by Jackson Laboratory
