The IGNITE network: a model for genomic medicine implementation and research

Area of Science:

• Genomic Medicine
• Translational Bioinformatics
• Clinical Decision Support

Background:

• Patients, clinicians, and payers seek to understand the value of genomic information in clinical decision-making.
• Widespread implementation of genomic medicine faces challenges, hindering the development of real-world utility evidence.
• Genomic data integration into clinical practice is crucial for advancing personalized healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To support the development, investigation, and dissemination of genomic medicine practice models.
• To seamlessly integrate genomic data into electronic health records (EHRs).
• To deploy point-of-care decision-making tools informed by genomic data.

Main Methods:

• The National Institutes of Health-funded Implementing GeNomics In pracTicE (IGNITE) Network, established in 2013.
• Six diverse projects exploring genetic markers, family history tools, pharmacogenomics, and diagnostic sequencing.
• Development of novel educational approaches for patients and providers.

Main Results:

• The IGNITE Network structure, collaborative initiatives, and clinical decision support strategies are described.
• Methods for returning genomic test results and educational initiatives are detailed.
• Clinical and outcomes data from network projects are forthcoming.

Conclusions:

• The IGNITE Network facilitates the translation of validated genomic information into clinical practice.
• It develops and utilizes outcome measures for genome-based interventions within a pragmatic framework.
• IGNITE provides early data and proofs of concept, accelerating genomic information adoption in medicine.