A framework for the prioritization of investment in the provision of genetic tests.

BACKGROUND

The UK Genetic Testing Network (UKGTN) established a process for the evaluation of genetic tests for entry onto the National Health Service (NHS) Directory of Molecular Genetic Testing. The Network requested the development and piloting of a prioritization framework that could be used for the commissioning of genetic tests by the NHS.

METHODS

A selected working group developed and piloted a multi-criteria prioritization process using 10 genetic tests evaluated by the UKGTN.

RESULTS

The framework was able to rank the 10 genetic tests used in the pilot. The rankings were also consistent with the commissioning recommendations for these genetic tests by the UKGTN.

CONCLUSION

A set of criteria for the prioritization of genetic tests has been developed. The results from the pilot suggest that the methodology is valid and robust but requires considerable resources to implement. Further development of the process is needed before the framework could be used to influence commissioning decisions for clinical genetic services in the NHS.