The role of genomics in women’s healthcare is rapidly advancing. Genomics already plays an important role in many aspects of clinical practice in obstetrics and gynaecology, including pre-natal screening and diagnostic testing during pregnancy, as well as preimplantation diagnosis in reproductive medicine and in the screening, prognostic testing, and ‘targeted’ treatment of gynaecological cancers.
New genomic technologies and discoveries to aid the testing, identification, diagnosis, treatment, as well as prevention of conditions (such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cervical cancer) are developing at a rapid pace allowing personalised and precision medicine to be delivered within our specialties. NHS England has recognised the importance of genomic medicine through the development of a 5-year strategic plan to embed genomics in clinical practice within the NHS.
With the increasing role of genomics in healthcare, it is important for all healthcare professionals delivering care to women and their babies to understand this area of care.
The RCOG has brought together a collection of video and audio podcasts, designed for clinicians to discover more about the use of genomics in maternity and gynaecological care and gain key insights into the clinical aspects of development and change within women’s healthcare. These podcasts provide essential information on the current and future impact of genomics on the O&G subspecialties, cover themes including the use of genomics in day-to-day clinical practice affecting healthcare for women and their babies, and discuss important issues including information giving, consent, and ethical dilemmas that may be encountered using genomics in our subspecialty.
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