New support coming for GPs and consumers accessing genetic tests with research funded by the Medical Research Future Fund Genomics Health Futures Mission

Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities

Description

The Australian Institute of Health Innovation has been awarded $1,974,062 from the Medical Research Future Fund Genomics Health Futures Mission for a three-year project to embed genomics into primary care.

Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite, Founding Director of the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, will lead the project which seeks to design a robust and national approach to making genomic testing more available in primary care settings. Dr Janet Long, an expert in genomics implementation science, will oversee the research and coordinate the studies.

“While the scientific and technological challenges of genomic testing are being met through rigorous research programs, the practice of genomics is a confused and complex area,” Professor Brathwaite said.

“This project will ensure a nationally consistent, ethically robust approach to support GPs offering genetic tests and consumers considering them,” he said.

“We will use already developed tools and create new ones. We will ensure these resources are freely available and useful through a rigorous implementation process with GPs,” he said.

GPs will be provided with information about what tests are available and appropriate; education on approaches to navigate funding models; training to facilitate discussions with patients and families; and support to deliver equitable care to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“Patients will need education about what genetic tests are available and support to understand how the results – which can often be unexpected and unpredictable – may impact their lives and the lives of family members,” Dr Long said. 

The program of work will be supported by partners:  Australian Genomics, Human Genetics Society of Australasia, Royal College of Pathologists Australia, Cystic Fibrosis Australia, Fragile X Association of Australia, Genetic Support Network of Victoria, and Rare Voice Australia.

Chief Investigators on the project are:

Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite

AIHI, Macquarie University

Dr Janet Long

AIHI, Macquarie University

A/Professor Stephanie Best

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Professor Simon Willcock

Macquarie University

Dr Alison Archibald

Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Professor Henry Cutler

AIHI, Macquarie University

Ms Monica Ferrie

Victorian Clinical Genetics Services

Ms Lucinda Freeman

University of Technology Sydney

Dr Lisa Dive

University of Technology Sydney

A/Professor Alison Trainer

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

A/Professor Belinda McClaren

Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Professor Ainsley Newson

University of Sydney

Professor Martin Delatycki

Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Professor Edwin Kirk

University of New South Wales

Professor Nigel Laing

University of Western Australia

 

Associate Investigators on the project are:

Dr Samantha Spanos

AIHI, Macquarie University

A/Professor Lucy Gilkes

The University of Notre Dame, Australia

Ms Julie Cini

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia

Ms Samantha Edwards

University of Western Australia

Dr Ruth Leibowitz

University of Melbourne

Dr Varinder Jeet

Macquarie University

Dr Janani Mahadeva

Macquarie University

Dr Darran Foo

Macquarie University

Dr Kate Churruca

AIHI, Macquarie University

 

 

For media enquires or to speak with Dr Janet Long, please contact [email protected]

Period27 Nov 2023

Media coverage

1

Media coverage

  • Title New support coming for GPs and consumers accessing genetic tests with research funded by the Medical Research Future Fund Genomics Health Futures Mission
    Media name/outletMacquarie University (media release)
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date27/11/23
    DescriptionThe Australian Institute of Health Innovation has been awarded $1,974,062 from the Medical Research Future Fund Genomics Health Futures Mission for a three-year project to embed genomics into primary care.

    Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite, Founding Director of the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, will lead the project which seeks to design a robust and national approach to making genomic testing more available in primary care settings. Dr Janet Long, an expert in genomics implementation science, will oversee the research and coordinate the studies.
    PersonsJeffrey Braithwaite, Janet Long