The Precision Health Research Program, led by Dr. Caitlin G. Allen, applies implementation science methods to develop, deliver, and evaluate precision health and genomic interventions alongside our community partners in the following areas:
- population-based genomic screening
- communication of genomic information
- workforce development
Projects
- Facilitating the Implementation of Population-based Genomic Screening Across Diverse Populations and Settings (FOCUS): We apply implementation mapping to conduct a needs assessment of population-based genomic screening programs, create an implementation guide (FOCUS toolkit), and evaluate the utility of the implementation guide using a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial design (R01HG013851).
- Scalable Clinical Decision Support for Individualized Cancer Risk Management (GARDE): Evidence supports individualizing cancer screening based on each person’s risk. We propose to enhance and disseminate software that scans electronic health records of target patient populations to: 1) automatically identify those at high risk to develop hereditary cancers according to national cancer guidelines, and 2) reach out to patients via automated “chatbots” offering patient education and the opportunity to receive at home genetic testing for hereditary cancers. Through wide dissemination, the GARDE platform has the potential to enable evidence-based, individualized cancer screening to reduce cancer burden (1U01MD017421).
- PaRtnEring to build understanding oF gEnomics Responsibly (PREFER) CHW Genomics Research Education Program (PREFER CHW): The PREFER CHW program is designed to fill the gap in available resources to train CHWs in basic competencies related to genomics. We are working with CHW training programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi to develop and implement the program (R25HG013851).
- Precision Public Health Network: Established in 2019, the Precision Public Health Network is made of hundreds of early-stage investigators focused on precision health research. We provide training from leaders in the field and develop collaborations to advance precision health research. We host conferences as part of this network (R13CA261073).