The Development of Clinical Genomics and Genetics Within Healthcare: How Should the Allied Health Professions Respond?

Elliott JM1, Freeman L, Walton DM, Bray P, Osmotherly P, Cornwall J.

Author information

1: Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia. Tel +61 2 9351 9385. jim.elliott@sydney.edu.au.

Abstract

Clinical genomics is becoming mainstream, providing personalized information that is relevant to clinical assessment, management, and decision-making on a patient-by-patient basis. This emphasis on personalized medicine has been featured in medical and nursing/midwifery entry-level curricula for some time. These curricula frameworks enable work-ready professionals to embrace genomics as part of standard care. The uptake of genomics across healthcare should also feature across the allied health professions worldwide. While some allied health professions are active in the research and clinical domains, there is, to our knowledge, scant evidence of a collective effort to bring genomics into mainstream allied health practice. It is suggested that the allied health professions need to recognize and embrace opportunities to collaborate with our colleagues in medicine, nursing/midwifery, and healthcare consumers to integrate genomics into and across allied health clinical practice. This includes: understanding what "genomics" is; recognizing who may benefit from genetic testing; the cultural, ethical, and legal implications of genomics in practice; and the potential to inform treatment decisions and/or justify referral. Discussion surrounding the integration of genomics competencies within the allied health professions is required to both enlighten and determine professional practice roles in response to this increasingly relevant element of healthcare delivery worldwide.