In the future an increasing number of prescribing decisions will be informed by genomic testing. Find out more about the NHS's new strategy for genomics here.
The use of pharmacogenomics in primary care is currently being piloted in England.
The Genomic Medicines Service Alliance (GMSA) are looking for 1 PCN or 1 practice outside of the Northwest of England who may like to take part in phase 2 of the PROGRESS Pharmacogenomics Pilot Study in GP practice.
If your GP practice is interested and would like further details, please contact your Medicines Optimisation Team.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the British Society for Genetic Medicine (BSGM) recommend that health professionals should exercise caution when asked to offer, or provide, clinical expertise about the results of Direct to Consumer (DTC) genomic or genetic testing.
The analytical validity, sensitivity and clinical utility of such testing may be much lower than is popularly perceived. For certain types of DTC results, there is a very high chance of false positive or false negative results. This means that patients should be offered the NHS care which would otherwise have been offered (e.g. family history and risk assessment, healthy lifestyle.
Click on the link below for more detail:
rcgp-bsgm-position-statement-on-direct-to-consumer-genomic-testing_final.pdf
The use of genomics to inform medicines optimisation is becoming more widespread across healthcare and pharmacy teams are increasingly encountering genomics in their daily practice.
It is critical that all pharmacy professionals have an awareness of genomics and understand its relevance to medicines, so that they can use genomic information as appropriate within their roles, advise patients and signpost when required.
Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians:
- CPPE Introduction to genomics in pharmacy
- Medicines Learning Portal -Pharmacogenomics
Doctors: RCGP Genomics Toolkit
Nurses: HEE Genomics in Nursing
Allied HCPs: eLfH Genomics in Healthcare
General: NHSE Genomics Education
Genomic testing in the NHS is being provided through a national testing network, consolidating and enhancing the existing laboratory provision. This will create a world class genomic testing resource for the NHS and underpin the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and deliver on our commitments as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.
The national genomic testing service is delivered through a network of 7 Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs), each responsible for coordinating services for a particular part of the country. The GLH for Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB contains 11 ICBs and is called Central and South Genomic Laboratory Hub led by Birmingham Women’s and Children NHS Foundation Trust.