Communicating Precision Medicine Research: Multidisciplinary Teams and Diverse Communities

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Precision medicine research investigates the differences in individuals’ genetics, environment, and lifestyle to tailor health prevention and treatment options as part of an emerging model of health care delivery. Advancing precision medicine research will require effective communication across a wide range of scientific and health care disciplines and with research participants who represent diverse segments of the population. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A multidisciplinary group convened over the course of a year and developed precision medicine research case examples to facilitate precision medicine research discussions with communities. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A shared definition of precision medicine research as well as six case examples of precision medicine research involving genetic risk, pharmacogenetics, epigenetics, the microbiome, mobile health, and electronic health records were developed. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> The precision medicine research definition and case examples can be used as planning tools to establish a shared understanding of the scope of precision medicine research across multidisciplinary teams and with the diverse communities in which precision medicine research will take place. This shared understanding is vital for successful and equitable progress in precision medicine.