Provider engagement is a crucial aspect of design and implementation of a novel health innovation such as age-based genomic screening.
Clinical Outreach Committee (COCo)
This team is co-led by pediatricians, Drs. Neal deJong and Samantha Schilling with the goal of a 3-tiered approach to engage diverse pediatric and family medicine clinics across the state to raise awareness of the ABGS program as well as obtain ongoing feedback from clinic staff and providers. “Tier 1” is currently underway and will encompass a broad statewide perspective about ABGS implementation.
Key Aspects of the ABGS Study and the nature and benefits of participation for primary care providers and families.
What is Age-Based Genomic Screening (ABGS)?
› Age-Based Genomic Screening (ABGS) is a genomic screening program under development. Your input is critical to help shape it. The goal is to make screening for specific genetic disorders available to all children at clinically relevant times.
› In two years, our team will work with primary care practices to incorporate ABGS into routine well visits during childhood. Right now, we need your input on how best to do this.
› ABGS is designed to build on the successes of North Carolina’s state-mandated Newborn Screening (NBS) Program by incorporating targeted genomic sequencing throughout childhood for a select number of highly actionable genetic conditions during routine well child care.
› The results of this research will inform how ABGS could be incorporated into routine screening that primary care providers manage for all children.
How does ABGS differ from North Carolina’s NBS Program?
› NBS screening is an ‘opt-out’ public health program that screens newborns for a limited range of rare conditions in North Carolina. Usually, screens are sent during the birth hospitalization and the PCP receives results, and follows up with families, with assistance from experts when needed.
› ABGS includes ‘opt-in’ targeted genomic screening for additional conditions at specific times after the newborn period. ABGS would be initiated in primary care and follow-up would be supported by experts when needed, like NBS follow-up.
How will ABGS benefit parents and children?
› Like NBS, ABGS focuses on the highly actionable genetic conditions for which early diagnosis could lead to improved health. Our goal is to offer the right tests at the right time. Your opinions are critical to making that happen.
› Exposure to genomic screening over time increases health literacy and builds confidence among parents, providers, and eventually children as they transition to adulthood equipped to make informed choices regarding genomic screening in their medical care.
Interested in learning more?
Please contact us at ABGS@unc.edu