Genomics in Primary Care: What GPs need to know

Genomic medicine has a significant impact within the field of primary care. Generally acting as the gateway to the NHS and specialised services, primary care practitioners are crucial in the early identification of genetic conditions and in ensuring appropriate management of a range of conditions.

Genomics features in everyday primary care practice in a range of ways:

* Rare diseases are individually rare but collectively affect 1:17 families. GPs may have a caseload with a number of patients with the same rare disease within a family.
* Most care for patients with genetic conditions is provided in the community. A patient’s genetic condition might influence your choice of commonly prescribed medications such as HRT or contraceptives.
* Some common conditions have genetic susceptibility. Clinical Genetics only see the patients that GPs refer to them. As a GP you are in a unique position to suspect these diagnoses early and refer appropriately.
* Patients with inherited cancer predisposition syndromes need regular screening to find cancer early and improve prognosis. You can encourage them to attend for this.
* GPs can give preconception advice for families with known genetic conditions and encourage relatives to be tested to benefit from additional screening/treatment.
* Genes influence the way that our bodies process medication. As more research emerges, genetics is likely to influence our approach to prescribing in the future. This is already being seen in the prescription of clopidogrel to patients who have had a stroke.

In this informative webinar, we’ll hear from a range of experts – from patients through to healthcare professionals – to examine the application of genomics within primary care and how it relates to your role.

Register now to secure your place here, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.