Description:

Mainstreaming has been used for many years within cancer genetics. Although many expert groups call for expansion of mainstreamed testing, it has yet to be widely adopted for general genetics due inadequate education for non-genetics care providers, lack of time and educational resources coupled with logistical barriers. However, both Saskatchewan Health Authority and Queen’s University set up ‘mainstream’ testing based on common referral indications, such as developmental delay and familial variant testing, to combat long wait times in Genetics. Clinicians that order testing are supported by genetic counsellors/ genetic assistants. This presentation will outline each province’s implementation process of ‘generalized’ mainstreaming including the process behind selection of indications for testing, logistics of ordering, review results of testing and the impact on patient wait times.

Objectives

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Participants with be able to identify the patients and providers who would be best suited for mainstreaming based on referral indication.
  • Participants will be able to appraise mainstreaming processes within their practice based on referral base and current resources.
  • Identify gaps, logistical concerns and opportunities to support non-Genetics professionals engaging in mainstream testing.

Target Audience: Clinical Geneticists, Laboratory Geneticists, Genetic Counsellors, Trainees
CanMEDS Roles: Medical Expert (the integrating role), Collaborator, Health Advocate

Speakers: 

Dr. Andrea Guerin, MD, MEd, FCCMG Head, Division of Medical Genetics, Queen’s University Quality Lead, Provincial Genetics Program, Ontario Health

Rachelle Dinchong

Angelique Lang, MGC (Master in Genetic Counselling), CCGC 

Event Timeslots (1)

AM Breakout Session 2
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KC 303 - Dr. Andrea Guerin, Rachelle Dinchong, Angelique Lang