Abstract: TH-PO527
Nephrologists' Views and Experience with Genetic Testing: Developing vs. Developed Countries
Session Information
- Genetic Kidney Diseases: Genotypes and Phenotypes in Cases
October 24, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Genetic Diseases of the Kidneys
- 1202 Genetic Diseases of the Kidneys: Non-Cystic
Authors
- George, Jaison, Kauvery Hospitals, Bangalore, India
- Vachharajani, Tushar J., John D.Dingell VA Medical Center & Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Wang, Xiangling, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Background
Genetic testing has increasingly been utilized in nephrology practice in developed countries, with limited data available on the perspectives of nephrologists from developing countries.
Methods
An online survey was conducted via SurveyMonkey and distributed to practicing nephrologists worldwide through social media, emails, or phone messages.
Results
A total of 297 nephrologists from 28 countries completed the survey, including 230 from developing countries and 67 from developed countries. The majority of respondents from both developing and developed countries reported having ordered genetic testing in their practice (80% vs. 85%, p=0.31). Of those who had ordered genetic testing, 80% from developing countries and 79% from developed countries found it useful (p=0.86). Nephrologists from developing countries expressed more concern about the availability of testing resources compared to colleagues from developed countries (62% vs. 38%, p=0.004). High cost was reported as the leading barrier among nephrologists from both developing and developed countries (64% vs. 61%, p=0.65). Fewer nephrologists from developing countries reported a high level of confidence in interpreting genetic testing results compared to colleagues from developed countries (5% vs. 19%, p=0.00009), while more reported a lack of confidence (47% vs. 22%, p=0.0004).
Conclusion
Renal genetic testing has been considered useful by nephrologists worldwide. There is a pressing need to enhance the availability of testing resources and education in renal genetics, particularly in developing countries. We acknowledge the potential bias of this study, as respondents may have primarily been those interested in genetic testing.