Genetic mainstreaming brings genetic testing and counselling into routine breast cancer clinics, led by non‑genetics clinicians rather than relying solely on specialist referral. This webinar explains the model and its benefits for access, equity, clinical decision‑making, and system efficiency. Participants will learn when genetics adds value across the breast cancer pathway—at diagnosis, for surgical and systemic therapy planning, in metastatic disease, and for familial risk assessment. We will cover how to identify eligible patients, match indications to test types, and deliver concise, culturally sensitive consent.
Learning Objectives
- Define “genetic mainstreaming” : Articulate what mainstreaming entails, how it differs from traditional referral models, and the expected benefits for access, equity, outcomes, and system efficiency.
- Explore appropriate use cases across clinical pathways: Identify priority indications and points-in-pathway where genetic testing and counselling add value (e.g., oncology, rare disease, pharmacogenomics, reproductive health), and match these to test types and consent needs.
- Understand the standardized pathway: Describe the core components of a mainstreamed pathway—patient identification, eligibility criteria, pre-test discussion/consent, ordering, result communication, documentation, and escalation triggers to genetics specialists.
- Operationalize workflow changes in routine care: Outline the practical steps to embed testing into day-to-day clinics, including role delineation, training, logistics (sample handling, lab interfaces), and turn around time targets.
- Navigate governance, ethics, and consent: Explain data governance, return-of-results policies (including secondary findings), privacy regulations, and culturally sensitive consent processes for genetic services at scale.
- Understand what tools are available for healthcare practitioners to learn and assist them in genetic mainstreaming.
- Apply genetic mainstreaming in breast cancer care: Implement eligibility screening and testing at key pathway points (diagnosis, treatment selection, familial risk), coordinate rapid result reporting for time sensitive decisions, and ensure appropriate cascade testing and referral when indicated.
In collaboration with
Speaker
Amy Pearn
