This announcement solicits applications for Regional Genetics Networks (RGNs) to improve health equity and health outcomes in individuals with genetic conditions (including congenital and metabolic disorders), reduce morbidity and mortality caused by genetic conditions, and strengthen and improve the quality of coordinated follow-up and treatment for comprehensive genetic services. The purpose of the RGNs is to: 1) link medically underserved populations (based on poverty, rural geographic location, and/or populations that experience health disparities)[1] to genetic services; 2) implement quality improvement activities to increase the connection with genetic services for the medically underserved; 3) implement evidence-based innovative models of telehealth[2] and/or telemedicine[3] with a focus on clinical genetics outreach; and 4) provide resources to genetic service providers, public health officials and families.
[1] Medically Underserved Areas/Populations are areas or populations designated by HRSA/HPSA as having too few primary care providers, high infant mortality, high poverty or a high elderly population. http://www.hrsa.gov/shortage/find.html.
[2] The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) defines telehealth as the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration.
[3] According to the American Telemedicine Association, telemedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve a patient’s clinical health status. Telemedicine includes a growing variety of applications and services using two-way video, email, smart phones, wireless tools and other forms of telecommunications technology. (http://www.americantelemed.org/about-telemedicine/what-is-telemedicine#.VsrcU_7VzIU)
