Participatory design of a personalized genetic risk tool to promote behavioral health

Despite major advancements in genomic medicine, research to optimize the design and communication of genetically informed interventions in behavioral health has lagged. The goal of this study was to engage potential end users in participatory codesign of a personalized genetically informed risk tool to intervene on high-risk health behaviors. We used structured interviews to examine end-user attitudes and interest in personalized genetics, qualitative interviews to guide iterative design of a genetically informed tool, and questionnaires to assess acceptability and potential utility of the tool. Participants expressed strong demand for using personal genetics to inform smoking and alcohol-related disease risk and guide treatment (78%–95% agreed). Via iterative design feedback, we cocreated a genetically informed risk profile featuring (i) explanation of genetic and phenotypic markers used to construct a risk algorithm, (ii) personalized risks and benefits of healthy behavior change, and (iii) recommended actions with referral to freely available resources. Participants demonstrated sufficient understanding and cited motivating behavior change as the most useful purpose of the tool. In three phases, we confirmed strong desire for personalized genetics on high-risk health behaviors; codesigned a genetically informed profile with potential end users; and found high acceptability, comprehensibility, and perceived usefulness of the profile. As scientific discovery of genomic medicine advances in behavioral health, we must develop the tools to communicate these discoveries to consumers who stand to benefit. The potential of genomic medicine to engage populations and personalize behavioral health treatment depends, in part, on preparatory studies to design for the future implementation of genetically informed interventions.