Week 6: Emerging Technologies Paper
Student Name
Chamberlain
University NR583NP
Kristene Diggins
6/14/2024
, 2
Summary of the Article
The article identifies that GeneDx has collaborated with Epic to extend its rapid
whole genome sequencing services, mainly to NICUs. This is because, by incorporating its
rWGS technology into Epic's EHR, clinicians will easily order and receive genomic results
for pediatric and neonatal patients, hence allowing personalized treatments for such patients.
This will help improve the quality of care provided to infants with severe diseases and
expand the use of genomic testing in pediatric populations (Miliard, 2024).
Emerging Technology: Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing (rugs)
This technology is actually referred to as rapid whole genome sequencing or rWGS.
This test utilizes a search of the entirety of the genome to find quickly any genetic variations
that may be causing disease. In critical care settings like NICUs, speed in diagnosis is more
vital than anywhere else, so this technology is beneficial. For example, according to one
scholarly source, rWGS can dramatically reduce the time to diagnose infants who are
critically ill and may even help improve health outcomes and inform more targeted
therapeutic approaches (Farnaes et al., 2018).
Intended Area of Practice and Application of Rugs
Therefore, as a future pediatric nurse practitioner, I believe that this new technology,
called rapid whole genome sequencing or rWGS, may be of utmost importance in offering a
diagnosis for an infant's condition concerning a genetic disorder. The technology can be used
to conduct an immediate diagnosis for symptomatic infants who have no apparent medical
history to provide timely and appropriate treatment for the specific cause of the symptom
(Farnaes et al., 2018). This application results in better clinical outcomes and also reduces the
emotional, financial, and social burden that families face in the event of such conditions.
Potential Legal, Ethical, and Client Safety Concerns