Mr. Kazuo Sakai (2nd-year doctoral student in Ito Lab, Transformative Knowledge Management Area) received the Best Student Paper Award at the 12th International Conference on the Human Side of Service Engineering (HSSE 2025).

HSSE 2025 was held in Florida and online as an affiliated conference within the framework of the International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE), July 26 - July 30, 2025.

■Date Awarded
July 28, 2025

■Title
The process of explaining secondary findings in cancer genome panel testing, putting into consideration patient benefit

■Authors
Kazuo Sakai, Yasunobu Ito

■Abstract
This study aims to identify patient-centered improvements in the management of "secondary findings" (reports of genetic mutations not primarily intended) from cancer genome panel testing. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews and participant observation with five healthcare professionals at two hospitals in Japan. We analyzed ethnographic data using the "delayed benefits" model from by service management scholars. The results suggest that early face-to-face interviews and continuous dialogue by genetic counselors can provide patients with "perspective benefit" and "emotional benefit". This approach has the potential to enhance patient benefit while simultaneously reducing the burden on healthcare professionals. This study proposes concrete measures to improve the secondary findings explanation process and is expected to contribute to enhancing the quality of service delivery in the field of genetic medicine.

■Comment
It is a great honor to receive this award. I am sincerely grateful to Professor Yasunobu Ito, my lab members, and the healthcare professionals who generously contributed to the study. This recognition encourages me to further advance my research.

October 22, 2025