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Review
. 2014 Dec;112(1):37-46.
doi: 10.1093/bmb/ldu032. Epub 2014 Nov 3.

The impact of genomics on public health practice

H Burton  1 , C Jackson  2 , I Abubakar  3
Affiliations
Review

The impact of genomics on public health practice

H Burton et al. Br Med Bull. 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Genomic science is developing rapidly, and engagement of public health professionals will be necessary to appraise new technologies and use them effectively.

Sources of data: We use established domains of public health and draw on the literature and expert knowledge to illustrate how genomic technologies give rise to new applications.

Areas of agreement: Genomic technologies are useful in rare inherited disease, including population screening programmes, in health care and for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease.

Areas of controversy: It is less clear when and how genetic susceptibility testing will be used for common chronic disease prevention or protection from environmental hazards.

Growing points: Developments in public health practice will be necessary to ensure rapid and effective implementation of genomic science.

Areas timely for developing research: Public health researchers should address how to accelerate the implementation of genomics for health benefit in developed and developing countries.

Keywords: developing world; genetics; genomics; health protection; personalized prevention; public health; screening.

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References

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