The funding will go towards a three-year project to embed genomics into primary care.

Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite, Founding Director of the Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI), will lead the project which seeks to design a robust and national approach to making genomic testing more available in primary care settings. Dr Janet Long, an expert in genomics implementation science, will oversee the research and coordinate the studies.

“While the scientific and technological challenges of genomic testing are being met through rigorous research programs, the practice of genomics is a confused and complex area,” Professor Brathwaite said.

"This project will ensure a nationally consistent, ethically robust approach to support GPs offering genetic tests and consumers considering them.

“We will use already developed tools and create new ones. We will ensure these resources are freely available and useful through a rigorous implementation process with GPs."

GPs will be provided with:

• information about what tests are available and appropriate
• education on approaches to navigate funding models
• training to facilitate discussions with patients and families
• support to deliver equitable care to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“Patients will need education about what genetic tests are available and support to understand how the results – which can often be unexpected and unpredictable – may impact their lives and the lives of family members,” Dr Long said.

The program of work will be supported by partners:

• Australian Genomics
• Cystic Fibrosis Australia
• Fragile X Association of Australasia
• Genetic Support Network of Victoria
• Human Genetics Society of Australasia
• Rare Voice Australia
• Royal College of Pathologists Australia.

Chief investigators on the project are:

• Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite – AIHI, Macquarie University
• Dr Janet Long – AIHI, Macquarie University
• Associate Professor Stephanie Best – Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
• Professor Simon Willcock – Macquarie University
• Dr Alison Archibald – Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Professor Henry Cutler – AIHI, Macquarie University
• Ms Monica Ferrie – Victorian Clinical Genetics Services
• Ms Lucinda Freeman – University of Technology Sydney
• Dr Lisa Dive – University of Technology Sydney
• Associate Professor Alison Trainer – Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
• Associate Professor Belinda McClaren – Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Professor Ainsley Newson – University of Sydney
• Professor Martin Delatycki – Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Professor Edwin Kirk – University of New South Wales
• Professor Nigel Laing – University of Western Australia.

Contact Chrissy Clay for more information.