Healthcare's ascension to patient-centered genomic care

Abstract

The future of healthcare in the 21st century will be patient-centered genomic care. These two previously disparate fields now stand to help revolutionize the way in which we provide healthcare. Preventative medicine guided by genomic information and patient preference will enable further reductions in common chronic diseases, especially with the significant aging population. This care will increasingly involve corporate genomics companies and services to accomplish evidence-based medicine and patient-centered delivery. The goal of this advanced care should be 'the care we need and no less, the care we want and no more'. Armed with genomic knowledge and healthcare coaching, patients of the 21st century will be prepared to reduce disease burden and improve healthcare satisfaction through active partnerships with healthcare practitioners and complementary technology. Anything less cannot truly be patient-centered genomic medicine.

Keywords: BRCA; Helix Health; Institute of Medicine; clinical genetics; corporate genomics; patient-centered care; personalized medicine.