Genome access and other web-based IT solutions: Genetic counseling in the digital era.

Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who are trained in both medical genetics and counseling to help guide individuals through what is known about genetic predispositions toward a variety of diseases, how they are inherited, and what impact this information can have on them and their partners and families. The range and scope of practice of GC has greatly expanded beyond where it started and now, it is employed in a variety of clinical and research settings. The traditional approach to GC involves meeting with a counselor in person. However, with the increasing availability of online resources, more people are seeking information about genetic disorders online. This shift has led to the development of online GC services. Indeed, genetic counselors are no strangers to improvements in terms of adopting digital solutions in their clinical routine, however, there are few studies assessing genetic counselors' attitudes regarding existing digital tools. Genome Access® is a digital platform that improves patient knowledge in the field of genetic diseases and supports specialists throughout different stages of counseling. This study aims to present Genome Access and discuss the importance of adopting digital technologies designed specifically for GC and what tools these solutions should include.

A Mobile Application for Exercise Intervention in People Living with HIV.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess 16-wk improvements of physical fitness, metabolic, and psychological parameters in people living with HIV (PLWH) exercising with the support of a smartphone application, as compared with a control group exercising without application. METHODS: This was a randomized, open-label, pilot study enrolling PLWH in a 16-wk protocol consisting of moderate physical activity three times per week, which included an initial coach-supervised period of 4 wk, followed by 12 wk where participants trained independently. Participants were allocated to either an experimental group that trained using a smartphone application (APP) or a control group that practiced following a hard copy training program (No-APP). At baseline (BL) and after 16 wk (W16), patients were assessed for cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood lipid profile, and POMS. RESULTS: Forty-eight PLWH were screened and 38 were eligible: 20 were allocated to the APP group and 18 to the No-APP group. Two APP and two No-APP participants were lost to follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis showed a W16 improvement from BL of ≥15% V˙ O2peak in 13 (72%) of 18 in APP, but only in 3 (19%) of 16 in No-APP participants (P = 0.025). Significant W16 improvements were observed in APP, but not in No-APP participants, in V˙O2peak; fat mass and fat-free mass percent; total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides; vigor; and total mood by POMS. Accordingly, significant percent change differences between the APP and the No-APP groups were observed in V˙O2peak; fat and fat-free mass percent; total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides; and depression, vigor, anger, and total mood by POMS. CONCLUSIONS: Exercising using a smartphone application improved cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, cholesterol profiles, and psychological outcomes in PLWH.