GenomeConnect: matchmaking between patients, clinical laboratories, and researchers to improve genomic knowledge.

Hum Mutat
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

As the utility of genetic and genomic testing in healthcare grows, there is need for a high-quality genomic knowledge base to improve the clinical interpretation of genomic variants. Active patient engagement can enhance communication between clinicians, patients, and researchers, contributing to knowledge building. It also encourages data sharing by patients and increases the data available for clinicians to incorporate into individualized patient care, clinical laboratories to utilize in test interpretation, and investigators to use for research. GenomeConnect is a patient portal supported by the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen), providing an opportunity for patients to add to the knowledge base by securely sharing their health history and genetic test results. Data can be matched with queries from clinicians, laboratory personnel, and researchers to better interpret the results of genetic testing and build a foundation to support genomic medicine. Participation is online, allowing patients to contribute regardless of location. GenomeConnect supports longitudinal, detailed clinical phenotyping and robust "matching" among research and clinical communities. Phenotype data are gathered using online health questionnaires; genotype data are obtained from genetic test reports uploaded by participants and curated by staff. GenomeConnect empowers patients to actively participate in the improvement of genomic test interpretation and clinical utility.

Year of Publication
2015
Journal
Hum Mutat
Volume
36
Issue
10
Pages
974-8
Date Published
2015 Oct
ISSN
1098-1004
URL
DOI
10.1002/humu.22838
PubMed ID
26178529
PubMed Central ID
PMC4575269
Links
Grant list
1U01HG007437-01 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States
U41 HG006834 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States
Intramural NIH HHS / United States
1U01HG007436-01 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States
HHSN261200800001E / PHS HHS / United States
U01 HG007436 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States
1U41HG006834-01A1 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States
U01 HG007437 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States
HHSN261200800001C / RC / CCR NIH HHS / United States
HHSN261200800001E / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States