Webinar 5: Exploring the legal, ethical, and practical complexities of recontacting patients after changes in clinical guidelines!

Our latest webinar featured a thought-provoking presentation by Jennifer K. Wagner, JD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Law, Policy and Engineering and Anthropology, exploring the legal, ethical, and practical complexities of recontacting patients after changes in clinical guidelines. This is an increasingly important topic at the intersection of law and the rapidly evolving field of genomic medicine.

One of the core themes of this episode was the distinction between research and clinical care, including the challenges that arise from integrating research findings into patient care. Dr. Wagner discussed the dichotomy between Clinical Practice Advisory Documents (CPADs) and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), noting that while guidelines aim to provide an evidence-based framework for care, their real-world application must account for variability across clinical contexts.

Taking a U.S. perspective, we explored how state governments regulate genomic medicine and the existent variability in the application of legal doctrines. These differences can directly impact how liability is considered in cases where delayed or missed genomic updates may have influenced patient outcomes.

The webinar also highlighted the risks of 'data dumping’ that overwhelm clinicians and/or patients, and emphasized the importance of clear communication strategies

Potential liability concerns were examined, and statements of professional organizations, including the American Society of Human Genetics and the American College of Medical Genetics, were discussed. The question of whether clinicians have a duty to recontact patients or their relatives when new information arises remains an area of professional debate and legal uncertainty.

In closing, Dr. Wagner addressed how to recontact patients while mitigating legal and ethical risks. She shared a framework for routine reinterpretation of genomic data proposed by Paul S. Appelbaum and colleagues, underscoring the value of standardized processes for periodic variant reclassification.

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Our webinars are a valuable member benefit, and we encourage you to sign up as a member so you can join the live webinars and access our earlier webinar series on demand!

You might also like to explore our podcasts. The CGA-IGC Research Collaboration series or others from the CGA-IGC Podcast Series (Seasons 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7) presented by the CGA-IGC Education Committee. Or, explore our Expert Approach to Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancers podcast series (Seasons 1 and 2).

We're also on Spotify!

Also, looking for other educational resources? Toolkits? Journal scans?

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