Development of a question prompt list to support Consent for Genomic Testing (CoGenT) and research

While genomic testing is increasingly utilised to personalise cancer treatment, its complexity creates challenges in achieving informed consent. Partnering with patients, carers, researchers and health professionals, we developed a Question Prompt List (QPL) aiming to support communication and informed consent for tumour profiling and genomic research in oncology. Participants (n = 38) included cancer patients participating (or not) in genomic research, carers, researchers and clinicians. Two rounds of interviews elicited information needs and suggested questions, followed by feedback on the draft QPL and its potential value. We produced concise answers for all questions, edited wording using health literacy principles, and refined according to feedback. The QPL includes 29 items arranged into three sections: Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP), Results of CGP, and About the Genomic Research Study. Participants believed the QPL would empower patients and carers, support clinicians and researchers to engage with patient/family queries, and enable better informed consent in genomic oncology. The Consent in Genomic Testing (CoGenT) Question Prompt List, including evidence-based answers, has been developed rigorously and collaboratively. This simple and flexible tool is perceived as acceptable and useful for patients, carers, clinicians, and research personnel engaging in informed consent for genomic research including tumour profiling.