Primary Care
Mainstreaming Genomics in Primary Care
We proactively support and empower Primary Care professionals to embrace advances in genomics by enhancing their knowledge and capacity to use genomic medicine in routine patient care, enabling more precise, predictive and personalised healthcare.
Does Genomics Matter in Primary Care? (primarycareuk.org)
How will this project make a difference?
Our aim is to embed genomics into everyday Primary Care practice by:
- Raising awareness of genomics to increase understanding and its potential impact on patient care.
- Improving access by streamlining pathways to ensure patients who can benefit from genomic medicine are identified and supported.
- Enhancing education through the provision of a comprehensive Primary Care genomic education programme.
- Facilitating implementation of systems to embed genomics within primary care e.g. referral forms with the primary care IT systems such as EMIS and System 1
The outcome will be increased capacity, capability, and confidence in applying genomics across Primary Care.
Impact of the project so far
Engaged with local focus groups to gain insights, unique perspectives and experiences of lung cancer patients, helping to shape the development of educational resources.
Actively participated in the GeNotes Working Group. Contribution to the development of case studies for primary care GeNotes
Delivered education workshops and sessions to training hubs, recorded several episodes of the Genomics Now podcast and contributed six episodes of the Primary Care Podcast series, hosted by Primary Care UK
Collaborated with Regional Clinical Genomics Services (North East Thames and North West Thames) to address high rates of rejected referrals from Primary Care. The referral process was streamlined, and new genetic referral forms were developed. These forms were successfully integrated into GP systems during a pilot, which completed it’s first phase.
The second phase of the integration of genetic referral form involves a complete rollout across all North Thames GP practices. A re-audit will be conducted six months after the after the rollout to assess it’s impact.
Expanding networks and increasing outreach to Primary Care teams to deliver target, tailored genomics training.
Working with North West GMSA to support the development of learning resources for VTS and a national initiative to unify resources for Primary Care genomics education.
Ongoing development of training modules that provide a systematic approach to delivering genomics education. Theses modules are aligned to national curriculums and address local needs and priorities. They are incorporated into GP VTS, Protected Learning Time (PLT), SPIN and Training Hubs.
Resources available
We offer bespoke training sessions for Primary Care teams, including webinars, face-to-face teaching and educational events. Contact us to discuss your team’s training and educational needs:
Email: nt-gmsa@gosh.nhs.uk
Please find below local and national education and training resources: