Generation Genome – Department of Health England, CMO calls for the development and adoption of intelligent decision support systems in routine medical practice

13 Jul Generation Genome – Department of Health England, CMO calls for the development and adoption of intelligent decision support systems in routine medical practice

Developments in information technology is vital to integrate genomic knowledge into electronic prescribing systems and facilitate adoption into practice

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Department of Health England, Professor Dame Sally Davies, has called for making genomic testing part of routine medical practice. In her lattest report titled ‘Generation Genome’, Professor Davies explores the potential of genomics to improve health and prevent ill-health.

The report emphasizes the importance of intelligent decision support systems which will enable prescribers to use genomics in their everyday clinical practice. The suggestions for policy makers stress the need of developments in information technology to integrate genomic knowledge into electronic prescribing systems, a vital component to facilitate adoption into practice.

In today’s increasingly complex prescribing process, the major challenge is implementing the depth of knowledge together with each person’s profile, including the individual’s genetic makeup. In addition, there is an increasing number of patients with multiple chronic diseases taking multiple medicines which complicates treatment management 1 . These patients are at high risk of adverse drug events and poor treatment outcomes 2.

Dealing with that complexity through smart software allows for safe and effective prescribing while engaging patients in their own health and improving communication among health professionals.

1. Sambamoorthi U, Tan X, Deb A. (2015) Multiple Chronic Conditions and Healthcare Costs among Adults. Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research . 15(5):823.
2. Roughead, E. E., Vitry, A. I., Caughey, G. E., & Gilbert, A. L. (2011). Multimorbidity, care complexity and prescribing for the elderly. Aging Health, 7(5): 695.