What is a public deliberation?
A public deliberation is a discussion with members of the public about issues that may have an important impact on our society. It’s like a focus group, but participants in a deliberation:
- usually meet several times;
- are given quite a lot of information before the discussion begins;
- come up with policy recommendations for the best course of action to take in a decision; and
- participants vote on whether they support the policy recommendations or not.
Public deliberations highlight the potential social and ethical implications of a policy decision for diverse members of the population. These policy decisions are based on values or making trade-offs.
What is this deliberation about?
This public deliberation is about considering the most acceptable way to provide a type of genetic testing called pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing for adults with major depression in British Columbia (BC) who choose medication therapy. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing aims to use genetic information to guide medication selection and dosing. This testing cannot determine which medication is going to work best or which medication to try first. But, it can narrow down the list of possible medications and reduce uncertainty over which medication dosage to start a patient on. Public input is critical to help policymakers and health professionals decide how best to offer PGx testing in BC to improve antidepressant prescribing.
Who are the policymakers in this public deliberation?
The BC Government and public health leaders in BC are interested in hearing what the public thinks about offering PGx testing as part of the treatment options for depression.
Who can sign up for this public deliberation?
Anyone who is 18 years or older and:
- lives in British Columbia;
- fluent in English (both reading and speaking);
- can attend ALL of the in-person meetings between 8am-5pm in Vancouver on November 16, 17, 30 and December 1, 2024.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide interpreters or translate materials into other languages or Braille. We recognize that this is a limitation of this study.
Do I need to know a lot about depression, antidepressants, genetics, or deliberations?
No! We will provide you with information on the subject ahead of and during the deliberation sessions. And, you do not need to have depression to take part. If you would like to learn more about any of these topics in the meantime, check out the ‘Additional Resources’ section on our homepage: pgx4depression.ubc.ca
What will happen during the sessions?
Around 26-30 British Columbians over the age of 18 and from a variety of backgrounds will participate. This is an in-person event that will take place over two weekends at UBC Robson Square, which is in downtown Vancouver. Unfortunately, virtual attendance is not an option for this event.
If you are selected to participate, we will send you more information about the event. This will include an information booklet that will help you to understand more about public deliberations, depression, PGx testing for antidepressants, and so on. All participants are expected to read this booklet before the event begins.
At the event, you will hear from several different content experts and interested/affected people, and consider the views of other participants. Trained facilitators will support participants in answering 3-5 questions that policymakers are interested in hearing feedback on. As a group, you will provide recommendations to BC policymakers.
Why should I participate?
Participation will give you an opportunity to share your beliefs, values and experiences. Your contributions to the discussions will help advise policymakers about how to provide PGx testing in an acceptable and trustworthy way. You will also learn about and reflect on the views of fellow participants that may be different from yours. We believe that the sessions will prove to be an interesting and stimulating experience.
How much time is involved in participating?
We will send you an information booklet to read before the deliberation event begins. It may take you 1-2 hours to read through the booklet.
Then, there are the four, full-day (8am-5pm) sessions. All sessions are on Saturdays and Sundays, and there is a one-weekend break in between the two deliberation weekends.
Can I skip one or more of the sessions?
Your participation is important throughout the entire process, but of course you may leave at any time. If you know in advance that you are not available for one of the session dates (November 16, 17, 30 and December 1), you would not be eligible to take part. It is important to be honest about your availability and commitment to taking part.
Will I be compensated for my time?
Yes, we will reimburse participants $500 for attending all four days ($125/day). This will be issued after all four deliberation sessions have occurred. The University of British Columbia prefers to provide reimbursement with an “electronic funds transfer” (direct deposit into your bank account). We will provide you with and support you to complete the short form for this, if you are selected to take part and wish to receive reimbursement in this way.
What about travel, accommodation, and meal costs?
Travel costs and meals will be covered for participants during the deliberation. Hotel accommodation is available for those living outside of the Greater Vancouver Area (i.e., locations East of Langley Township and North of Brunswick Beach/Lions Bay), or by request on a case-by-case basis depending on one’s travel circumstances.
Still have a question?
If you would like more information or have other questions, please send us an email at: pgx.deliberation[at]ubc.ca