Dr. Christine PATCH
Clinical Lead, Genetic Counselling and Caldicott Guardian, Genomics England, United Kingdom
Principal Staff Scientist, Genomic Counselling, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Dr. Patch is Lead for Genetic Counselling at Genomics England, Principal Staff Scientist, society and ethics, Wellcome Genome Campus. and visiting professor at Sheffield Hallam University.

Genomics England was originally set up to deliver the 100,000 Genomes Project and work with the English National Health Service  to create a national Genomic Medicine Service. GEL is also now generating genomic and health data alongside  COVID-19 research projects. 

Having started her career as a nurse, her most recent NHS appointment was as consultant genetic counsellor seeing patients and families as well as leading and developing the service. She has been involved in developing genetic counselling in the UK and genomic education and competencies for nurses. She has various academic collaborations and published peer reviewed articles, reviews and commentaries, books and articles for patients and public. Her various leadership roles include being past co-lead of G2NA a global genomics nursing alliance past President of the European Society for Human Genetics and chair of the British Society for Human Genetics. In 2019 she was awarded the European Society for Human Genetics Award for contribution to Ethical, Legal and Psychosocial Aspects of Genetics.

Abstract

Genomics and Nursing Practice in the 21st Century

In 2011 a report was commissioned by the Nursing and Midwifery Professional Advisory Board of the UK Department of Health on genetics/genomics in nursing and midwifery. The conclusion was:

'all nurses and midwives at all levels of practice must be competent to deliver genomic healthcare ...... Action must be taken now if they are to deliver the current and potential benefits of genomic health care for patients, families, communities and public health.'

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/215250/dh_131947.pdf

Ten years later the conclusion could be the same, however Genomic Medicine is now a reality. In this presentation I will discuss developments in the UK in the creation of the English Genomic Medicine Service, consequent work force development, changing roles and recognition of the potential of genomics to the whole of health care.

These national developments are mirrored in many other countries and continents. Nurses as the largest patient facing professional group in health care are integral to the development and delivery of genomic medicine across the world. Building on existing experiences and research will enable them to contribute to these developments and maximise the potential contribution of genomic medicine to the health of patients, their families and the population.

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