Introducing Edna: A trainee chatbot designed to support communication about additional (secondary) genomic findings

Abstract

Objective: To support informed decision-making about reanalysis of clinical genomic data for risk of preventable conditions (‘additional findings’) by developing a chatbot (electronic genetic resource, ‘eDNA’). Methods: Interactions in pre-test genetic counseling sessions (13.5 h) about additional findings were characterized using proponent, thematic and semantic analyses of transcripts. We then wrote interfaces to draw supplementary data from external genetics applications. To create Edna, this content was programmed using a chatbot framework which interacts with patients via speech-to-text. Results: Conditions, terms, explanations of concepts, and key factors to consider in decision making..