05.14.10
Results of a new national media study among 693 physicians revealed that the majority of physicians (71%) reported that it is not appropriate for pharmacies to sell home genetic testing kits.
The study was conducted during May 12-13 by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com website, to obtain physicians’ perceptions of a news report that Walgreens pharmacies will sell home genetic testing kits that assess the risk of developing dozens of health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer and heart disease. Walgreens has since postponed its plans to sell personal genetic test kits after FDA intervened.
The majority of physicians (59%) indicated that results from a home genetic test kit would have no impact on their treatment plans for patients. In addition, a clear majority of physicians (80%) reported that they were either “somewhat unlikely” or “extremely unlikely” to recommend the purchase of home genetic testing kits to their patients.
Meanwhile, a majority of 400 consumers surveyed (74%) indicated it was appropriate for pharmacies to sell home genetic testing kits.
After viewing a news video, a slight majority of viewers (53%) indicated that they would be “extremely likely” or “somewhat likely” to purchase home genetic testing kits if they were available at a local pharmacy. Half of the respondents (50%) indicated that they would be “extremely likely” or “somewhat likely” to purchase home genetic testing kits if they were available online.
In addition, the majority of consumers (72%) indicated that the test results would have a “moderate” or “high” impact on their daily health decisions.
The study was conducted during May 12-13 by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com website, to obtain physicians’ perceptions of a news report that Walgreens pharmacies will sell home genetic testing kits that assess the risk of developing dozens of health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer and heart disease. Walgreens has since postponed its plans to sell personal genetic test kits after FDA intervened.
The majority of physicians (59%) indicated that results from a home genetic test kit would have no impact on their treatment plans for patients. In addition, a clear majority of physicians (80%) reported that they were either “somewhat unlikely” or “extremely unlikely” to recommend the purchase of home genetic testing kits to their patients.
Meanwhile, a majority of 400 consumers surveyed (74%) indicated it was appropriate for pharmacies to sell home genetic testing kits.
After viewing a news video, a slight majority of viewers (53%) indicated that they would be “extremely likely” or “somewhat likely” to purchase home genetic testing kits if they were available at a local pharmacy. Half of the respondents (50%) indicated that they would be “extremely likely” or “somewhat likely” to purchase home genetic testing kits if they were available online.
In addition, the majority of consumers (72%) indicated that the test results would have a “moderate” or “high” impact on their daily health decisions.