The challenge of developing evidence-based genetics health care in practice

Evidence-based genetics health care is the conscientious use of current best evidence in decision-making at the clinical, administrative and policy-making levels. As knowledge generated from genomics research is integrated into medical care, the needs for appropriate evidence become more complex. The challenges to evidence-based care include: a lack of policy-relevant evidence in the domains of basic, clinical and health services research (including ethical, legal and social issues); difficulties in translating knowledge into appropriate decisions and actions, particularly in relation to the capacity of audiences to interpret evidence; and competing perspectives on the nature of evidence in genetics and genomics. In meeting these challenges, lessons will be learnt which are likely to be relevant to emerging biotechnologies and health care development more generally.