GeneClinics: a hybrid text/data electronic publishing model using XML applied to clinical genetic testing

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Medical Informatics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Genetic disorders require accessible, reliable information for healthcare providers and patients.
• Existing resources often lack comprehensive details on genetic testing and its implications.
• The need for a centralized, user-friendly platform for genetic disorder information is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce GeneClinics, an online genetic information resource.
• To detail the structure and content acquisition process for GeneClinics.
• To outline the goals for expanding the GeneClinics database and its integration with genetic testing services.

Main Methods:

• Development of an object-oriented database storing disease profiles and genetic testing information.
• Content acquisition using templates, conversion to XML, and peer review.
• Web publishing of disease profiles via HTML rendering.

Main Results:

• Initial implementation of the GeneClinics production system is complete.
• The first phase of populating the database with genetic disorder content has been finalized.
• Ongoing efforts focus on content expansion, increased creation rates, and system redesign.

Conclusions:

• GeneClinics serves as a valuable online resource for inherited disorders and genetic testing.
• The platform is designed to support informed medical and personal decision-making.
• The ultimate aim is to encompass all diseases with available clinical genetic testing.