Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
May 2-3, 2003
 
Co-hosted by:
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
 

Meeting Objective:

The conference was convened to explore communication issues among professionals relevant to the ordering, reporting, and interpretation of genetic tests that impacts health care decision-making. Cystic fibrosis DNA-based testing served as a model for discussion.

Meeting Outcomes:

1. Problems and challenges were identified in the process of ordering, reporting, and using genetic tests. There is a lack of quantifiable data relating these to patient outcomes and other costs associated with the testing process.
    
2. Opportunities were identified for improving practices and professional competencies. General and specific strategies to address (resolve) current problems (bridging communication gaps) were provided.
    
3. In considering next steps, the ordering and reporting of genetic tests needs to be considered as a process with internal and external quality control and provisions for assuring professional competencies.
    
4. The multidisciplinary format of this conference and resulting recommendations strongly support the need for enhanced interdisciplinary interactions toward assuring the safe and effective use of genetic tests.
   

Follow-up:

• Executive summary (PDF)
• Detailed summary (PDF)