Electronic health records-based algorithms to screen for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tier 1 genetic diseases: a scoping review
Abstract
Objective
Missed diagnosis of genetic conditions is a persistent challenge in clinical care, particularly for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), and Lynch syndrome—conditions designated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as Tier 1 genomic applications. This scoping review summarizes evidence on the use of electronic health record (EHR)-based algorithms to identify individuals with these conditions.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a scoping review using the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and reported results according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science through October 2024 for studies evaluating EHR-based algorithms to identify individuals with FH, HBOC, or Lynch syndrome. Eligible studies addressed (1) performance of algorithms in detecting clinically or genetically confirmed cases or (2) outcomes from the implementation of algorithms in unselected populations with follow-up to identify new diagnoses.
Results
Of 598 articles screened, 22 met inclusion criteria. Most studies (20/22) focused on FH. Fourteen FH studies assessed algorithm performance, and 7 reported prospective implementation. FH algorithm performance varied widely (AUROC range 0.78-0.95), with machine learning models outperforming rule-based approaches. Implementation studies reported positive predictive values ranging from 11% to 67%. Only two studies addressed HBOC or Lynch syndrome, both using rules-based algorithms with limited sensitivity.
Discussion
Machine learning models consistently outperform rules-based algorithms relying on clinical criteria, but limited evidence exists for HBOC and Lynch syndrome.
Conclusions
Early identification of CDC Tier 1 genetic conditions through EHR-based screening algorithms holds promise but will require both technical and implementation advances to realize improved patient care and outcomes.