Abstract
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
---|---|
Artikelnummer | e080460 |
Tidsskrift | BMJ (Clinical research ed.) |
Vol/bind | 387 |
ISSN | 0959-8146 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2024 |
Adgang til dokumentet
Citationsformater
- APA
- Standard
- Harvard
- Vancouver
- Author
- BIBTEX
- RIS
Direct-to-consumer tests : emerging trends are cause for concern. / Gram, Emma Grundtvig; Copp, Tessa; Ransohoff, David F; Plüddemann, Annette; Kramer, Barnett S; Woloshin, Steven; Shih, Patti.
I: BMJ (Clinical research ed.), Bind 387, e080460, 2024.Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskrift › Tidsskriftartikel › Forskning › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Direct-to-consumer tests
T2 - emerging trends are cause for concern
AU - Gram, Emma Grundtvig
AU - Copp, Tessa
AU - Ransohoff, David F
AU - Plüddemann, Annette
AU - Kramer, Barnett S
AU - Woloshin, Steven
AU - Shih, Patti
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Advances in diagnostic technology and digital health have increased the variety and volume of direct-to-consumer tests—commercial tests initiated by consumers without clinical consultation.1 Sales of these tests have surged from $15m in 2010 to $1.15bn in 2022 in the United States alone.234 As well as the better known DTC tests for covid-19, genetics, and HIV, many other types of tests are now available, including for prostate health checks, thyroid function, and food sensitivity.5678 However, no dedicated regulatory framework exists to govern the appropriate use of emerging DTC products.Although DTC tests offer consumers more choice, accessibility, and privacy,1910 qualitative studies show that users have found decisions on selecting and purchasing tests a challenge.10 Concerningly, companies use persuasive marketing techniques such as narratives of “women’s empowerment” to promote non-evidence based health interventions.5811 As DTC tests are promoted to broad populations rather than specific groups for which there is evidence of improved health outcomes, consumers are at risk of buying products that do more harm than good. Therefore, availability of DTC tests can trigger unnecessary and inappropriate use.51213 Indeed, a qualitative study suggests that some users of DTC tests were motivated to repeat testing to seek regular reassurance, whereas others who received abnormal results did not follow-up with a general practitioner.14 Better information and regulation are essential to protect consumers from potential harms.
AB - Advances in diagnostic technology and digital health have increased the variety and volume of direct-to-consumer tests—commercial tests initiated by consumers without clinical consultation.1 Sales of these tests have surged from $15m in 2010 to $1.15bn in 2022 in the United States alone.234 As well as the better known DTC tests for covid-19, genetics, and HIV, many other types of tests are now available, including for prostate health checks, thyroid function, and food sensitivity.5678 However, no dedicated regulatory framework exists to govern the appropriate use of emerging DTC products.Although DTC tests offer consumers more choice, accessibility, and privacy,1910 qualitative studies show that users have found decisions on selecting and purchasing tests a challenge.10 Concerningly, companies use persuasive marketing techniques such as narratives of “women’s empowerment” to promote non-evidence based health interventions.5811 As DTC tests are promoted to broad populations rather than specific groups for which there is evidence of improved health outcomes, consumers are at risk of buying products that do more harm than good. Therefore, availability of DTC tests can trigger unnecessary and inappropriate use.51213 Indeed, a qualitative study suggests that some users of DTC tests were motivated to repeat testing to seek regular reassurance, whereas others who received abnormal results did not follow-up with a general practitioner.14 Better information and regulation are essential to protect consumers from potential harms.
U2 - 10.1136/bmj-2024-080460
DO - 10.1136/bmj-2024-080460
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 39631937
VL - 387
JO - The BMJ
JF - The BMJ
SN - 0959-8146
M1 - e080460
ER -