[Evaluation of genetic screening. The problem of hidden value judgements, conceptual arbitrary attitudes and methodological leeway in the so-called screening process].
Population-wide genetic screenings can multiply benefits, but may also increase risks and other adverse effects of genetic testing. Insofar, there is a particular need for legitimization of genetic screenings. Health economic calculus and the so-called "screening ratios" aim to relate information about potential costs to potential benefits. Their implicit claim of being rational, however, can only be realised partially, since each concept is based on a number of value judgements allowing for different decisions, which can be a critical outcome factor. All the more so, since different players use different ratios. Against this background, disclosure of normative foundations and perspectives in cost-benefit ratios of genetic screenings seems to be imperative.
Feuerstein
Günter
G
Universität Hamburg, Forschungsschwerpunkt Biotechnik, Gesellschaft und Umwelt (BIOGUM), Forschungsgruppe Technologiefolgenabschätzung in der Medizin/Neurowissenschaften. feuerstein@uni-hamburg.de
Kollek
Regine
R
D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D015203:Reproducibility of Results