Explaining epigenetics to patients and the public
Investigating ELSI issues that may facilitate or impede clinical translation of epigenomic research
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11134550
This project develops and tries out clearer ways to explain epigenetic findings so patients and the public can understand and use them in healthcare.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11134550 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will talk with people to learn how they currently understand epigenetics and what concerns or hopes they have. They will use an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, starting with qualitative interviews or focus groups to create messages and then testing those messages in larger surveys and experiments. The team will study how beliefs about benefits and risks affect understanding and acceptance of epigenetic tests and technologies. Finally, they will check whether the best communication approaches work broadly across the U.S. population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults in the U.S.—including patients, caregivers, and members of the public—who would receive, discuss, or decide about epigenetic health information.
Not a fit: People seeking direct medical treatment or immediate clinical benefit, rather than contributing to communication research, are unlikely to gain personal health benefits from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Clearer communication could help patients make informed choices about epigenetic testing and support appropriate use of epigenetic information in clinical care.
How similar studies have performed: Work improving how genetics and biomarker results are explained has helped understanding, but applying those approaches specifically to epigenetics is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WATERS, ERIKA A — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WATERS, ERIKA A
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.