TrakGene, a program which helps genetics experts across NSW capture clinical information in a single database attracted international attention this month. Managed by eHealth NSW, it was recently featured on American-based podcast, DNA Today, which explores genetics and public health topics.
The episode interviewed Michelle Bowman, a genetic counsellor at Westmead Hospital and chairperson of the Genetic Information System Application Advisory Group.
Ms Bowman spoke to DNA Today podcast host, Kira Dineen, on how NSW Health is using digital tools such as TrakGene to reach patients who can benefit from cancer genetic counselling.
Clinical genetic testing looks for underlying significant variations in genes. Variations which impact the function of genes may cause disease or increase the likelihood of developing certain diseases in the future.
Risk assessment in clinical genetics relies on access to relevant and accurate information about an individual and their genetic relatives. Although this family genetic information originates from one individual, it may enable accurate risk assessment for many other relatives.
Thanks to TrakGene, genetic experts across the state can capture clinical information in a single database. This information is gathered as part of a genetic counselling appointment. The data is then used to identify patterns in individuals or across a family group which may lead to further genetic testing and diagnosis.
eHealth NSW Application Support Specialist, Bronwyn Culling, said the genetics information management program has been well received by its nearly 300 users and by patients across the state.
“What genetic health professionals like most about TrakGene is being able to match and link family branches which helps to identify patterns of inheritance," Ms Culling said. "It also helps to identify which genetic units have been involved with care for the family, which can result in saving time when tracking down information.”
TrakGene is used across NSW Health Local Health Districts within genetic units, and at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, St Vincent’s Hospital Network, and ACT Genetics at the Canberra Hospital.
