Date of Award
5-2017
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
MS Human Genetics
Department
Human Genetics Graduate Program
Abstract
With the wider use of genetic testing, an increasing number of people are receiving molecular diagnoses of ultra-rare or N-of-1 diseases. The medical and psychosocial challenges of these individuals are compounded by a lack of support and advice from disease-specific communities. A website ( www.dnaunicorn.org) was developed to help N-of-1 families connect with caregivers, researchers, and patients with the same or related medical conditions. The site provides directions and links to resources to facilitate data-sharing through access to databases, and aids in the construction of social media campaigns to connect genotypically- or phenotypically-related patients and families to each other. Furthermore, the website provides step-by-step instructions and templates for users to optimize their use of Twitter, Facebook, GenomeConnect, MyGene2 and other potential avenues to find and build a community. Fourteen genetic counselors provided feedback by answering seven questions on the usefulness of an early version of the web-based tool kit. Free text responses were also elicited. Five themes emerged in qualitative analysis of their responses: aesthetics, language, resource choice, how-to guide utility, and overall clinical utility. Aesthetics was mentioned most frequently, with eight genetic counselors commenting on font size and text placement. Responses to the website were overwhelmingly positive; 100% of participants agreed that it would be useful in clinical practice and would refer patients to the website. Counselors also described a need for more resources for families with N-of-1 or ultra-rare molecular diagnoses, which our site attempts to address.
Recommended Citation
Knickle, Allison; Laut, Taylor; Magnussen, Kari; and Vivien, Marianne, "DNA Unicorn: An N-of-1 Community Advocacy Resource" (2017). Human Genetics Theses. 29.
https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/genetics_etd/29