As we continue to adapt to changes and updates to the test directory, teams across the region are working hard to mainstream genomics, ensuring patients receive appropriate, timely and effective care. The Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) Genomic Practitioner team are a shining example of this, having just achieved the milestone of their 3000th referral from outside of clinical genetics. This brings their total number of referrals to over 5000.
We spoke to Ryan Holland, Genomic Practitioner at OUH, to learn more about what the team do and how they came to realise this achievement.
The team is made up of four genomics practitioners and one genomic assistant. Embedded in clinical genetics, the work closely with consultant clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors to accurately screen test order forms and complete record of discussion forms with patients.
Ryan stated, “We take referrals from Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and some from Swindon. Once a clinician knows which test they want to request, they email it to us to check through, and we then ensure the clinical information matches up.”
If the form is clinically accurate, it gets sent straight through to the lab. The team work closely with scientific teams in the lab to ensure the information on the form is correct, which frees up time for senior scientists to carry out analysis and reporting.
“If there are inconsistencies or inaccuracies, we’ll discuss this with Ed Blair, Consultant Clinical Geneticist at OUH and Central and South GLH Medical Director, to adjust and correct the information, making sure it’s fully complete before sending through to the lab. This helps save valuable time for laboratory teams.”
The team have carried out teaching sessions across various trusts to promote their work amongst ordering clinicians. Through this, alongside word of mouth and existing networks, they’ve been able to significantly reduce the administrative burden on laboratories.
Impressively, this isn’t the team’s main role; predominantly, they’re responsible for completing record of discussion forms with patients. During 20-to-30-minute phone calls, they discuss the different types of results and the implications of genomic testing, ensuring patients are well-informed before going ahead with the decision to have whole genome sequencing. They also help to arrange blood samples from family members in cases where samples are required from a child and both parents.
This accomplished team are keen to ensure that clinicians across the region have the right information at the right time to effectively refer patients for genomic testing. To this end, they’ll be delivering sessions on completing test order forms – these will be free to attend and available both live and recorded, so if you’re interested in learning more, keep an eye on our events page and YouTube channel!