Whole genome sequencing in health services

Whole genome sequencing in health services:

The rapid development of fast, affordable whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies is set to bring major changes to clinical and public health practice. The potential benefits within the next few years are significant: improved diagnosis and management of inherited diseases and cancer, and more personalised use of treatments and therapies.
The potential benefits of the new technologies are significant: improved diagnosis and management of inherited diseases and cancer, and more personalised use of treatments and therapies. However,successful delivery of a more efficient and effective system of healthcare using genomics requires:

• Creation of new biomedical informatics expertise within the NHS and building databases that will drive better understanding of which genomic variants affect health.
• Use of targeted forms of genome analysis that minimise unexpected (incidental) findings and telling patients only about medically important information that arises.
• Better understanding of genomic data interpretation among health professionals

"Next steps in the sequence: the implications of whole genome sequencing for health in the UK" is the first comprehensive guide to the clinical impact of these transformational technologies, and makes specific recommendations for prompt and effective adoption within the UK National Health Service (NHS).

The full report is available as a free electronic download at Next steps in the sequence.
Whole genome sequencing overview is also available.