Embedding genomics across the NHS: a primary care perspective

Judith Hayward; Will Evans; Edward Miller; Imran Rafi

doi:10.7861/fhj.2023-0116

Embedding genomics across the NHS: a primary care perspective

Future Healthc J. 2023 Nov;10(3):263-269. doi: 10.7861/fhj.2023-0116.

Authors

Judith Hayward¹, Will Evans², Edward Miller³, Imran Rafi⁴

Affiliations

¹ National Genomics Education, RCGP joint clinical champion in genomics medicine, Royal College of General Practitioners, and honorary research fellow, St George's University London, London UK.
² Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, and clinical assistant professor, Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.
³ National Genomics Education Programme, NHS England.
⁴ St George's University of London, London, UK, and joint clinical champion in genomics medicine, Royal College of General Practitioners.

Abstract

Primary care remains the point of access to the NHS as well as having key roles in care coordination and prescribing. Therefore, embedding of genomic medicine in the NHS relies on successful implementation into the primary care landscape. Primary care is currently facing considerable challenges, including increasing numbers of patients and consultations per GP, multiple health conditions and polypharmacy, all contributing to increasing workload within a resource-constrained system. Although genomic medicine has enormous potential to benefit patients, its successful implementation demands alignment with existing skills and working practices, development of underpinning informatics infrastructure, integration into care pathways with consideration of commissioning and leadership. Here, we set out current initiatives and future strategies to support primary care colleagues in the delivery of genomic medicine, covering issues of workforce development and education, primary care leadership, and data and digital considerations.

Keywords: education; genomic medicine; implementation; primary care; workforce development.