In the context of advances in personalized medicine, genetic testing has become an essential tool for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, its effectiveness largely depends on the clinical support and guidance the patient receives throughout the process.
National and international studies have shown that misinterpretation of results can lead to anxiety, confusion, or inappropriate clinical decisions. In countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada, it is established that every genetic test must be accompanied by professional counseling as part of their genomic medicine strategy. In Chile, however, a gap still exists in this area.
Risks of lacking professional guidance:
• Incorrect interpretation of genetic variants.
• Delayed initiation or unnecessary discontinuation of treatments.
• Loss of access to targeted therapies.
• Negative impact on the mental health of the patient and their environment.
• Unnecessary expenses from tests performed without precise medical indication.
Gestalt Medical and the Nurse Navigator Model Gestalt Medical has implemented a clinical support system in Chile that includes personalized counseling, reimbursement assistance, coordination with laboratories, and longitudinal patient follow-up.
References:
1. Bernhardt BA et al. (2021). American Journal of Human Genetics
2. Ministerio de Salud Chile – Guías Clínicas 2023
3. NHS England (2022). “Genomics and Counselling Framework”
4. Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (2020)
5. WHO (2020). “Global Report on Genomic Medicine”
English 
Spanish