Engaging communities: A scoping literature review of community-based participatory research in genetics service delivery settings

Genetic counseling (GC) services have the potential to improve health outcomes, yet there are documented disparities in the use of GC services among minoritized racial/ethnic populations. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach to integrate diverse patient perspectives to improve GC services. The objective of this review was to assess the current state of international CBPR within GC and genetics services from 2006 to 2023. Five databases were searched for inclusion criteria: 1) published in 2006 or later; 2) peer-reviewed publication; 3) primary research studies; 4) community-based AND participatory research; 5) focused on GC, clinical genetics, testing, and/or genetic service delivery. Criteria for evaluating CBPR involvement used a synthesis of best processes framework. Screening of 3,824 studies identified 16 papers (n = 12 qualitative; n = 1 quantitative; n = 3 mixed methods). The majority of studies were conducted within the U.S. (n = 12), focused on cancer (n = 5), involved the Asian/Pacific Islander community (n = 8), and centered around genetic education (n = 12). Community partners most frequently were involved in recruitment (n = 12) and results analysis (n = 12) and least involved in research question development (n = 7) and product creation (n = 6). Studies varied substantially in the integration of 9 CBPR gold standard principles with only three studies addressing all nine principles. Few CBPR projects in GC services exist and a lack of guidelines to assess the quality of CBPR methodologies hindered the appraisal of studies. CBPR represents a promising approach to improve GC services and should be explored by genetics service delivery researchers.