Genomics and economics
Genomic research is transforming healthcare by providing deep insights into the genetic factors that contribute to disease. We conduct a wide range of studies at the intersection of genomics and the economics of population health, to understand the economic implications of genomic technologies and to evaluate interventions that incorporate genomic information into healthcare decision-making.
An important area of research involves exploring the use of genomic sequencing in healthy populations, such as adults and newborn babies. This includes determining the outcomes that matter most to patients and families when undergoing sequencing.
Our researchers assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing widespread genomic screening, considering not only the financial costs but also the ethical, legal, and social implications. This work helps inform policies on how genomic information can be integrated into routine healthcare to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Another focus is on the economic implications of using polygenic risk scores to guide patient care. Polygenic risk scores quantify an individual's genetic susceptibility to certain diseases based on the presence of multiple genetic variants. We evaluate how these scores can be used cost-effectively to personalise prevention strategies and treatments, potentially leading to better health outcomes and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Modelling genomic approaches presents unique challenges due to the complexity of genetic data and the need for sophisticated analytical methods. Our researchers develop and refine health economic models that accurately capture the costs and benefits associated with genomic technologies. They utilise innovative approaches like Mendelian randomisation studies to estimate causal relationships and inform cost-effectiveness analyses, which can guide decision-making in healthcare policy and practice.
Funding mechanisms for genomic technologies are also a critical area of study. We examine how healthcare systems can sustainably finance the integration of genomics into patient care. This includes analysing different funding models, reimbursement strategies, and the long-term economic impacts of adopting genomic innovations.
Projects
Measuring patient and carer outcomes from genome sequencing for rare disease diagnosis: A critical appraisal of validated outcome measurement instruments and their psychometric properties
Sally Sansom, Sarah Wordsworth, Michele Peters
Genomics and economics
Exploring patient and carer expectations, experiences, and preferences of/for outcomes from genome sequencing for rare disease diagnosis: A qualitative outcomes model validation study
Sally Sansom, Sarah Wordsworth, Michele Peters
Genomics and economics
Evaluating the content validity, construct validity, responsiveness, interpretability, feasibility, and acceptability of outcome measurement instruments in the context of genome sequencing for rare disease diagnosis: A longitudinal mixed-methods multi-instrument comparison study
Sally Sansom, Sarah Wordsworth, Michele Peters
Genomics and economics
MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Genomics
Sarah Wordsworth, Liz Morrell, Fred McElwee
Genomics and economics
The cost and cost-effectiveness of whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing: A systematic literature review
Fred McElwee, Sarah Wordsworth, Sally Sansom
Genomics and economics
Discrete choice experiment to determine what levels of reimbursement and financial incentive lead to the greatest uptake amongst UK GPs of a diagnostic test to inform antibiotic prescribing
Sarah Wordsworth, Madison Luick, David Eyre
Genomics and economics
Aggressive Infection-Related East Africa Lymphoma (AI-REAL) project
Sarah Wordsworth, Liz Morrell
Genomics and economics
Addressing the health economic challenges of evaluating genome-targeted therapies with uncertain costs and benefits
Fred McElwee, Sarah Wordsworth
Genomics and economics
AMULET: Abbreviated Magnetic Resonance Imaging vs ultrasound surveillance for liver cancer detection in people at high risk of developing liver cancer
Sarah Wordsworth
Genomics and economics
Adalimumab vs placebo as add-on to Standard Therapy for autoimmune Uveitis: Tolerability, Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness (ASTUTE) Trial
Sarah Wordsworth, Xuemin Zhu, Rositsa Koleva-Kolarova
Genomics and economics
Combining infectious disease and economic modelling to inform decision‑making around antibiotic use targets and implementation of interventions
Sarah Wordsworth, Madison Luick
Genomics and economics
Economic analysis of multiple myeloma cancer panel
Sarah Wordsworth, Liz Morrell, Fred McElwee
Genomics and economics
Evaluating the full costs and effects of high-price, disease-modifying therapies
Fred McElwee, Sarah Wordsworth
Genomics and economics
HEcoPerMed: Health Economic Models for Personalised Medicine
Sarah Wordsworth, Rositsa Koleva-Kolarova
Genomics and economics
Measuring patient and carer outcomes from genome sequencing: A systematic review of outcome measurement instruments
Sally Sansom, Sarah Wordsworth, Michele Peters
Genomics and economics
