Advocacy and actions to address disparities in access to genomic health care: A report on a National Academies workshop

Abstract

Background: In the United States, access to genomic risk assessment, testing, and follow up care is most easily obtained by those who have sufficient financial, educational, and social resources. Multiple barriers limit the ability of populations without those resources to benefit from health care that integrates genomics in assessment of disease risk, diagnosis, and targeted treatment.

Purpose: To summarize barriers and potential actions to reduce genomic health care disparities.

Method: Summarize authors' views on discussions at a workshop hosted by the National Academy of Medicine.

Discussion: Barriers include access to health care providers that utilize genomics, genetic literacy of providers and patients, and absence of evidence of gene variants importance in ancestrally diverse underserved populations.

Conclusion: Engagement between underserved communities, health care providers, and policy makers is an essential component to raise awareness and seek solutions to barriers in access to genomic health care for all populations.

Keywords: Genomic; Health care disparities; Nursing; Underserved.