Roadmap for implementation of genomics in healthcare: towards equity in access to genomics

Abstract

Abstract Issue Implementing genomic medicine in healthcare can bring us closer to making personalised medicine a reality, with notable socioeconomic benefits. Description of the problem The 1+Million Genomes Initiative is promoting a reflection in European countries regarding their national strategies for genomic medicine, and how these contribute to research and improve clinical practice. Implementation of genomic medicine is complex and requires investment and adjustments in the organisation and practices of healthcare services, including technical infrastructure for genomic data generation and management, a trained healthcare workforce, and appropriate ethical and legal frameworks. Methods To promote the implementation of genomic medicine in healthcare systems, and improve its societal impact, the Beyond 1+MG (B1MG) project organised three country exchange visits for capacity building, developed and validated in real world settings a comprehensive Maturity Level Model (B1MG MLM) for genomic medicine, and organized workshops on health economics models for genomics. Results The products resulting from these activities provide policy recommendations for adoption of genomic medicine, an innovative MLM Toolkit for health systems to self-assess their current maturity status regarding genomic medicine implementation, and plan the path for improvement, as well as several brief papers highlighting main challenges and key indicators for health economic evaluation of genomic tests. Overall, this set of B1MG products provide a Playbook to support the development of national or regional roadmaps for the implementation of genomic medicine in healthcare systems. Lessons Country healthcare systems have specific practices, barriers and constraints, so the actions needed for progress in genomic medicine implementation towards optimization are specific to the context of each healthcare system. Key messages • The B1MG Roadmap will support the definition of strategies for adoption of genomics in healthcare systems, towards equity in the access to genomic medicine for all European citizens. • Country healthcare systems actions needed for progress in genomic medicine implementation towards optimization are specific to the context of each healthcare system.