Genomics has many uses in healthcare: from diagnosing a patient’s condition, to understanding what medication and what dosage will work, to pinpointing the source of an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection. Several types of genomic tests are now funded by government, while many more potential uses are being trialled.
Decisions about whether to offer a particular type of test should be balanced against your local genomics capability as well as potential risks, benefits, resourcing and impact. This webpage provides you with a sample methodology to make good decisions about new types of genomic care.
Reviewing new genomic practice is a key action in the Genomics and Your Hospital toolkit, which supports hospitals to plan and implement genomic care.
Why this is important
As new technologies and clinical practices evolve, there is a transition from their use within a controlled and monitored research framework to their adoption into mainstream healthcare settings.
Clinical governance is vital in this ‘mainstreaming’ phase. It can support and encourage innovation, while also ensuring that a new practice or technology is:
- Based on sound evidence
- Safe
- Cost-effective
- Able to be supported through organisational systems
- Able to be delivered by people with appropriate skills and qualifications
- Delivered with appropriate patient consent and engagement
A screening process can ensure critical elements are considered.
Who should be involved
You will need a multidisciplinary review panel with expertise in hospital leadership, genomics, risk management and relevant specialties. This will ideally be your hospital’s genomics leadership group.
Tool: Reviewing new genomic practice
This is a screening tool to guide decision-making about new genomic care in your hospital. It can be adapted locally as needed.
It is recommended that the tool is completed by a clinician or department, and then reviewed by the genomics leadership group, new technology committee or similar.