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Review
. 2020 Dec;32(6):739-741.
doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000950.

Telegenetics

Borut Peterlin  1
Affiliations
Review

Telegenetics

Borut Peterlin. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of the article is to provide an update on recent evidence for utilization and challenges of implementation of telegenetics in the clinical practice.

Recent findings: Implementation of telegenetics in health systems is still limited, below 10%, somewhat higher for cancer genetic counseling. Nevertheless, telegenetic services have been shown useful in the COVID pandemic. Key factors for efficient implementation include a patient-centered approach, engaging the major stakeholders, and incorporating telegenetics into existing health policies. Main barriers remain: limitations to billing and reimbursement, licensure, proper equipment and technical issues, engagement of referring providers and patients, coordination of services with local health providers, and lack of decision-making power. Further rigorous studies are needed to investigate the outcomes of telegenetics and to motivate health policies for change.

Summary: Despite continuous evidence of the benefits of telegenetics, its use in health systems remains limited. Further, larger, prospective, randomized, long-term studies are needed to address the outcomes.Enabling factors contributing to the implementation of telegenetics are patient-centeredness, the involvement of major stakeholders, and aligning telegenetics with the existing national health policies.

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