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Noninvasive Prenatal Screening: Eliminating Barriers to Access and Reducing Disparities
July 27, 2021 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm EDT
July 27, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. — Noninvasive Prenatal Screening (Day 1)
July 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. —Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Policy Discussion (Day 2)
Genetic screening is a prime example of translating advances in human genomics research into an intervention with a direct benefit to public health. A variety of methods are available to screen adults, fetuses, and newborns — all with a goal of gaining insight into the risk posed by certain heritable conditions.
Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health and pregnancy management, as well as improve maternal and fetal outcomes by allowing preparation to care for children who may be affected by a genetic disorder. However, challenges with integrating research and development advances into health care and regulatory systems have left gaps in preventive care for patients.
As part of our Genetic Screening Program, SWHR convened an interdisciplinary working group of health care providers, medical professional society leaders, patients/patient advocates, policy experts, and diagnostic company scientists for a closed roundtable meeting on July 27 and July 30 to discuss how to eliminate barriers to access and reduce health disparities related to NIPS.
Roundtable Highlights
Objectives
The objectives of the roundtable were to:
- Review the science and healthcare landscape concerning NIPS and explore the best means to develop clinical guidelines and strategies for increased implementation
- Identify knowledge gaps, unmet patient needs, and relevant policies that present barriers to equitable access to NIPS and quality care for women
- Pinpoint opportunities to leverage innovation, increase access to care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes
- Develop and disseminate materials to expand education and raise awareness about NIPS among women and their families, health care providers, and policy stakeholders
Roundtable Members
Kara Ayers, PhD, Associate Director, University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Joseph Biggio, Jr., MD, MS, System Chair for Women’s Services and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Ochsner Health
Natasha Bonhomme, Founder, Expecting Health
Altovise T. Ewing, PhD, LCGC, Senior Science Leader for Global Health Equity Strategy, Genentech
Stephanie Gandomi, MBA, MS, CGC, Health Plans Director-Police Specialist, Ambry Genetics
James Goldberg, MD, Consultant, Women’s Health Medical Affairs
Joan Kegerize, JD, Vice President of Reimbursement and Scientific Affairs, American Clinical Laboratory Association
Summer Pierson, MS, LCGC, Senior Manager, Provider and Engagement Relationships, Myriad Genetics
Marianna Raia, MS, CGC, Associate Director of Programs, Expecting Health
Robert Nathan Slotnick, MD, Medical Director for Reproductive Health, Invitae Corporation
Leah Smith, Project Coordinator, Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities
Katie Stoll, MS, LGC, Genetic Counselor and Executive Director, Genetic Support Foundation
Anna Torrey, Carrier Advisory Committee member, Remember the Girls
Patricia D. Winters, CGC, Senior Manager of Medical Affairs, Illumina
Sponsor
