With the dramatic scientific advancements that have taken place in recent years, genetic testing has become a valuable resource for both patients and providers.
Once seen as an expensive luxury for the affluent, more affordable tests are now opening doors for all people to access their genetic information. Moreover, according to an online survey, 6 in 10 adults expressed an interest in genetic testing. Despite early concerns around cost and accuracy, genetic testing is emerging as a powerful tool with significant potential for increasing care quality and lowering costs.
Even the White House is paying attention to the positive impacts genetic testing could have in uncovering important health information. In fact, earlier this year, President Obama announced the Precision Medicine Initiative – a federal effort to combine various sources of medical information with the growing body of knowledge in genomics to help increase quality and improve outcomes. With the shifting perception of the "one-size-fits-all approach, genetic testing can provide a treasure trove of clinical information to help improve care delivery by giving patients a tailored medical experience.
With the rapid growth of genetic testing and the shift to value-based care, it's wise for healthcare leaders to prepare themselves and their organizations accordingly.
Here are some tips for successfully adopting genetic testing into your practice:
1. Ask reputable labs for practical examples of tests that could benefit patients. Many providers are hesitant to leverage genetic testing in their practice as a result of common misconceptions or concerns about whether tests are truly accurate. By reaching out for examples of genetic tests in advance of offering to patients, providers are able to better understand the benefits and implications of each test so they can become more comfortable with process. For example, if your organization performs a lot of joint replacement surgeries, you might consider tests that help pinpoint the effectiveness of certain pain medications or anticoagulants. Educating and collaborating with the clinical staff can inform which programs might be most appropriate for the organization to explore further and provide providers with the answers they are looking for to best treat their patients.
2. Pilot a specific program designed to measure the outcomes of a targeted patient population. By focusing on a pilot program with a specific patient population, data can be gathered on clinical results, patient outcomes and cost. This enables you to better understand the improvements that are being achieved across the board through using genetic testing. These benefits can include reduced readmissions, lower costs, improved patient satisfaction and improved outcomes. By tracking how genetic testing is impacting your organization and care based on specialty, you can use this data as a benchmark to facilitate discussions about genetic testing with patients while also continuing to see quantifiable results that support the shift to value-based care.
3. Disseminate pilot data across the enterprise. Make sure other groups or service lines also have access to the data you've collected to help improve understanding, interest and use of genetic testing across the care continuum. Hospitals can enlist the help of their IT group to ensure the effective use of technology for sharing data and clinical results quickly and accurately with the appropriate groups.
The future of precision medicine
The accessibility and popularity of genetic testing isn't showing any signs of slowing down, and holds great opportunity for the way people receive treatment. Providers empowered with the knowledge of genetic makeup and propensities can start to approach each patient far more holistically, maintaining engagement across not just an episode of care, but potentially through the person's lifetime.
The growing adoption of genetic testing among providers and consumers will continue to be fueled by current healthcare and consumer trends as people begin to take a more active role in their personal health and wellness. By embracing genetic testing as a means to lower costs, improve patient experience and most importantly improve outcomes, providers will be able to offer the best possible care and guidance to their patients - now and well into the future.
Brian has 20 years of experience in start-up and biotechnology companies. He was a co-founder of Open Biosystems in 2002. The company was sold to ThermoFisher Scientific in 2008. As Open Biosystems' CEO, Brian set corporate strategy, managed corporate assets, and engaged in driving growth and bringing life science research tools to researchers around the world who were elucidating the function of genes and their roles in disease.
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