The Geisinger MyCode® Community Health Initiative: Experiences in Patient Recruitment, Genomic Sequencing, and Patient Engagement in a Population-Based Biobank

Authors

Alanna Kulchak Rahm, Geisinger Health SystemFollow
Samantha Fetterolf, Geisinger Health System
Ryan Colonie, Geisinger Health System
Michael Murray, Geisinger Health System
David J. Carey, Geisinger Health System

Publication Date

8-15-2016

Keywords

biorepository, genomic sequencing

Abstract

Background/Aims: Geisinger’s MyCode^® Community Health Initiative is a population-based biorepository that began in 2007. Participants give broad consent for research use of their samples and electronic health record data, including genomic analysis, and permission to re-contact for additional studies. Participation in MyCode is open to all Geisinger patients, with a goal to enroll 250,000 participants. In 2013, consent was revised to allow for return of medically actionable information discovered through genomic studies to patients and providers and to include the information in the electronic health record. In 2014, a collaboration was initiated with the Regeneron Genetics Center to perform whole exome sequencing on biobank samples. The Governing Board approves all research conducted on biobank specimens, the Return of Results Oversight Committee monitors the return of clinical findings, and the External Ethics Advisory Committee provides independent feedback on MyCode operations and the clinical return of results process. Community members are engaged through research focus groups, newsletters and as members of the two committees.

Methods: MyCode is visible via signage throughout Geisinger clinics and system website. Approximately 20 MyCode consenters are stationed in outpatient clinics throughout the system. Samples are collected at the time of clinical blood draws. Consented participants who have not had clinical bloodwork may arrange to provide a MyCode sample if desired. Saliva collection may also be requested. In May 2015, an educational campaign was launched to ensure that all Geisinger employees can answer patient questions about biobank participation.

Results: At this time, approximately 1,000 patients consent per week, 90,000 patients have consented (85% response rate), 55,000 have at least one sample in the biobank, and 50,000 exomes have been sequenced thus far. The population of consented patients is 97% white, 62% female and 50% aged 50–79 years.

Conclusion: Whole exome sequence information combined with patient medical record data is allowing Geisinger researchers and research partners to investigate new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Strong community engagement programs maintain trust in the system, keep participants engaged in research and continue to guide the evolution of the MyCode program.

Recommended Citation

Kulchak Rahm A, Fetterolf S, Colonie R, Murray M, Carey DJ. The Geisinger MyCode^® Community Health Initiative: experiences in patient recruitment, genomic sequencing, and patient engagement in a population-based biobank. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2016;3:191.