About
QGenome is an application developed by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust's Regional Genetics service, a partner in the South East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, and UBQO to provide streamlined genomic risk assessment, testing and referral guidance in an accessible and user-friendly format.
Our Impact
Building on the success of the 100,000 Genomes Project, NHS England have introduced a national Genomic Medicine Service (GMS). This world-leading initiative will embed genomics into routine NHS care and make significant strides to create a system focused on improving health, not just by treating illness, but by enabling faster diagnoses and tailoring treatments to individuals through harnessing the power of genomic technology and science.
7
Genomic Medicine Service Alliances
A national network of 7 NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliances (GMSAs) supporting the systematic embedding of genomics into routine clinical care
55m+
PEOPLE
Supporting the population of England and providing equitable access to standardised testing pathways
Our Application
The application enables users to decide which patients may be eligible for genomic investigations and risk assessment, in line with the NHSE Genomic Test Directory and published literature. It provides clinicians with a framework of questions that can be used in their clinical approach when managing patients who are concerned about an inherited susceptibility to disease.
The application allows users to access up to date clinical guidance, at the ‘point of care’, and delivers a time-efficient mechanism to instigate genomic evaluation and onward referrals, where necessary.
The aim of QGenome is to facilitate streamlined quicker access to enhanced surveillance, risk-reduction options, genetic counselling, genomic testing, clinical trials and multidisciplinary care for patients and their families.
Availability
QGenome is available on iOS and android platforms and a web-based application. It is therefore accessible on the user’s smart-phone or via their desktop.
Funding
Funding for the development of QGenome was provided by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity and NHS England's GMSA Transformation Project fund.
Testimonials
“I would encourage everyone to make full use of QGenome, which has demonstrated how digital solutions can support busy healthcare professionals to swiftly navigate genomic risk assessment, referral and testing guidance, leading to continuous improvement in patient care. The success of QGenome across several genomic specialty areas is already being realised across the Southeast and more widely in England by a wide range of healthcare professionals and organisations.”
Sean Whittaker
GLH/GMSA Medical Director
“I use QGenome to help me determine the eligibility of my prostate cancer patients for germline testing. I find it very user friendly. Setting up the app was quick and it takes less than a minute to determine patient eligibility. This has saved much time and resource in avoiding unnecessary referrals to the clinical genetics team, and has also meant that I can have much more informed conversations with patients.”
Debra Josephs
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
“Incredibly useful. Feels like I have a Genetic Counsellor on my shoulder”
Vickie Gadd
Gynae-Oncology CNS & Family History Nurse
Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
“QGenome is a resource that is easy to use and clear. For someone new to genomics it has been invaluable in understanding eligibility pathways and has improved my knowledge and ability to speak to patients about their concerns.”
Louisa Fleure
Urology CNS
Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
“User friendly. Great educational and clinical decision support tool”
Jan Hackney
Breast Family History Nurse
Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
