Success in public health genomics: beyond the ACCE criteria

Abstract

In judging the future success of a field of activity such as public health genomics, the criteriawill tend to ‘layer-out’ into a microor finely detailed view, and a macro-view, one that takes in the big picture. To date professionals in the field have been strongly focused on judging the viability of new forms of genetic testing using the ACCE criteria (analytical and clinical criteria and ethical, legal and social considerations; http:// www.cdc.gov/genomics/gtesting/ACCE). This framework has been used to evaluate many categories of genetic tests, but cannot really be used to judge the field as awhole. Further, fundability of the field’s various assessment and educational efforts is important, but is more of an aim than a measure of success, and varies greatly with the funding climate. It is important that the field begin to distinguish itself in people’s minds and in what it does. Grant and article reviewers, and consumers, need to gain an appreciation that here is a field centred on conditions which strike large populations and not just single individuals, and that prioritizes the well-being of communities. Thus, public health is giving