Shaping the future of kidney genetics in Australia: proceedings from the KidGen policy implementation workshop 2023

Abstract

The KidGen Collaborative's Policy Implementation Workshop 2023 celebrated the 10th anniversary of Australia's first kidney genetics clinic in Brisbane. This event marked the establishment of a national network now comprising 19 kidney genetics clinics across Australia, all dedicated to providing equitable access to genomic testing for families affected by genetic kidney diseases. The workshop reflected on past progress and outlined future objectives for kidney genetics in Australia, recognising the collaborative efforts of clinical teams, researchers, and patients. Key insights from the workshop are documented in the proceedings.

Introduction

Over the past ten years, significant progress has been made in integrating genomics into clinical care, research, and policy, including in the complex area of genetic kidney diseases (GKD). The KidGen Collaborative offers state-of-the-art care through a network of kidney genetics clinics (KGCs) nationwide. These clinics provide patients access to cutting-edge kidney genomic medicine. Along with its clinical network, KidGen has a well-established network of diagnostic and research laboratories focused on genetic kidney disease. The KidGen Collaborative recently introduced a hybrid program featuring five Virtual Seminars addressing current issues, complemented by an in-person Workshop. The August 2023 KidGen Workshop, held on the traditional lands of the Wulgurukaba people in North Queensland, Australia, brought together collaborators from diverse disciplines to advance healthcare for individuals with GKD. This document outlines the priority topics guiding KidGen's work for at least the next half-decade.

The KidGen virtual seminars: exploring kidney genetics

Five virtual seminars complemented the KidGen Workshop 2023. These seminars offered participants a comprehensive exploration of the latest advancements and emerging trends in kidney genomics and laid the groundwork for the workshop's core content—clinical implementation of genomics. The seminars were well-received, with over 400 attendees. Two-thirds of the attendees were nephrologists and genetic counsellors. Other specialties included government, industry, consumer representatives, geneticists, nurses, scientists, junior doctors, and patients. Table 1 provides concise summaries of each seminar, and comprehensive details are available on the KidGen website (https://www.kidgen.org/kidgen-events).

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The KidGen workshop 2023: innovations in kidney genetics

The KidGen Workshop 2023 was a dynamic platform for participants to engage in forward-thinking discussions and foster collaborative efforts. The workshop commenced with a retrospective look at the advancements in GKD clinical care and research over the past decade in Australia [1, 2]. This session acknowledged the significant contributions of individuals across various disciplines, including paediatric and adult nephrologists, clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors, researchers, and evaluators. Following this, the workshop offered a forum to envision the next decade and identify fresh opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

The workshop placed a particular emphasis on enhancing the diagnosis of GKD. This encompassed pre-symptomatic detection of kidney diseases in infants through genomic newborn screening [3] and extended to diagnosis to identify novel treatments and interventions. This included discussions on new clinical trials for delivering evidence-based therapies, emphasising the importance of involving genetic counsellors and families in the design of these trials.

A central theme of the workshop revolved around ensuring equitable access to high-quality kidney care for all Australians, regardless of their background or geographical location. The discussion shifted towards therapies for GKD, highlighting the need for a solid research-clinical link. This collaborative effort is essential for swiftly translating research breakthroughs into clinical practice. The following structured summary encapsulates the key highlights and outcomes of the workshop.

Advancing kidney genomics: exploring innovative clinic models

Over the last decade, Australia's kidney genetic model has evolved significantly, reshaping healthcare for patients with genetic kidney disease. A national network of 19 clinics now offers comprehensive paediatric and adult care [4]. Some clinics have merged over time, with many adopting virtual modalities to improve access for patients in regional areas. The referral base has expanded, reflecting increased awareness and demand for genetic diagnosis, indicating our impact.

The clinics now feature various combinations of nephrologists, clinical geneticists, and genetic counsellors, with some sites providing all three services in one location. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures comprehensive patient care, and the model successfully enables genetic diagnosis provision nationally and internationally [4,5,6].

Persistent challenges, such as funding, infrastructure, workforce, and information technology (IT) issues [4], are not just hurdles but opportunities for us to excel (Fig. 1). Funding uncertainties directly impact workforce sustainability, while IT infrastructure deficiencies hinder clinic operations. Addressing these challenges is vital for sustained progress.

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Diagnostic laboratories conducting genetic testing face staffing and infrastructure challenges as testing volumes rise [7]. Sustainable solutions are needed for kidney genomic medicine, focusing on efficient services and patient needs. Informed genetic/genomic testing consent is crucial, with strategies like national consent forms and educational initiatives supporting consistent uptake [8, 9].

The Australian multidisciplinary team model is a 'care and learn' approach that supports training future medical professionals. Transitioning from multidisciplinary kidney genetic clinics to local nephrology clinics aims to mainstream genomics into patient care. This shift has already commenced, with genomic tests increasingly performed outside these specialised clinics. This will ensure equitable service delivery across Australia while adapting to local needs. Collaboration between regional and national clinics is essential for consistent quality of care and training.

Empowering patients: the vital role of consumers in kidney genomic medicine

Identifying and implementing patient values and priorities in research, practice, and policy is widely advocated to improve patient-centred care and outcomes [10]. The KidGen collaborative has been committed to enhancing family involvement in research to further our understanding of the unique consumer experiences in GKD, which shape the prioritisation of patient-reported outcomes. Family involvement in all stages of research has the benefits of improved participant recruitment and retention, enriched data analysis, and broader dissemination and translation of research findings to practice and policy [11,12,13]. Patient-centred research initiatives can shape the future of GKD care by addressing unmet needs, including improved consumer health literacy, specialised counselling, supportive care, and accessibility, especially in diverse communities. In Australia, culturally sensitive research and healthcare practices are being used, led by trained genetic counsellors, to improve access to specialised kidney care. This benefits urban communities and reaches rural areas where up to a sixth of Indigenous Australians live, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census. As a result, Indigenous patients are attending our research programs and renal genetic clinics in proportion to their population. The KidGen collaborative environment emphasises family impact, therapy options, health literacy, and patient involvement. Recommendations to ensure equal representation and successful consumer engagement include budget allocations for family participation and education and training opportunities for research involvement.

Advancements in kidney genomic medicine: exploring trials and innovative treatments

Progress in personalised medicine for genetic kidney diseases has revolutionised diagnostic methods, yet challenges persist due to the genetic heterogeneity of kidney conditions linked to over 350 genes [14]. Collaborative clinical trial experiences are crucial for developing effective therapies. While some conditions, like renal tubular acidosis (RTA), respond to standard treatments [15], others, such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), lack a definitive cure, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Tailoring clinical trials to factors like disease severity and patient population size is essential. Adaptive trials offer flexibility compared to traditional designs, enhancing patient care and collaborative efforts among nephrology professionals [16]. However, the overarching objective will be establishing a national cohort model for continuous GKD clinical trials, supported by a robust regulatory framework, appropriate funding, and comprehensive data accessibility. Learning from successful international models like the nephropathic cystinosis cohort is critical to advancing patient-centric care in Australia [17].

Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of whole genome/exome sequencing in nephrology

The balance of cost-effectiveness and desire to achieve the highest technical yield in the genetic investigation is an ongoing challenge, particularly in conditions with complex genomic regions like ADPKD. Efforts to improve diagnostic outcomes, lower costs, and increase efficiency continue. Genome sequencing, though having a demonstrated higher diagnostic yield than exome sequencing in ADPKD, requires more funding but is expected to match exome sequencing's cost in the future. Clinicians should focus on overlooked phenotypes and disease mechanisms and consider adjunct copy number variant (CNV) tests. Exploring genome sequencing for ADPKD in routine practice requires careful criteria [18]. Investment in genomic technologies and infrastructure is crucial for quality diagnostic services; ideally, offering whole genome sequencing as a test should be the first choice in the near future. Validation studies and multimodal approaches enhance accuracy but need funding. Personalised patient profiling tests could lessen the genomic testing burden. While Australia has made strides in diagnostic technologies, cost remains a concern despite Medicare subsidy—efforts like introducing new sequencing approaches aim to improve access [19]. Access to research pathways and funding via the Medical Research Future Fund can aid undiagnosed cases [20, 21].

Mastering medicare benefits schedule (MBS) item numbers: navigating today and anticipating future expansion

Genomic testing for kidney disease in Australia is a complex and evolving process enabled by publicly funded reimbursement pathways such as the Australian Government’s MBS [22]. The reassessment of MBS item numbers related to kidney conditions is ongoing, involving a complex review process that considers scientific evidence and stakeholder input. While updates occur, older item numbers may still be used alongside new ones to ensure patient care continuity.

Differences in testing practices exist across Australian states and territories [6], including geographical disparities in testing rates. These can impact patient outcomes, highlighting the value of improved awareness of testing options. Expanding operational funding for testing, raising awareness of testing alternatives, and mitigating out-of-pocket expenses are recommended to address these issues. Clinicians' understanding of public financing sources and efforts to harmonise testing access with legislation nationally are crucial. Achieving these goals is critical to optimising Australia's genomic testing system for kidney diseases. Healthcare providers need to master interpreting Medicare rebates for genomic testing. This involves understanding the criteria for specific MBS items for a particular kidney disease.

The national legislative landscape of kidney genomic medicine: examining policies and regulations

Ensuring a supportive legal framework for kidney genomics requires considering the latest scientific evidence and input from stakeholders to guarantee alignment and smooth adaptation. However, there are still disparities in genetic testing practices across Australian states and territories, mainly due to different funding approaches. These differences underscore the urgent need for solutions, with the most important step being to enhance clinicians' knowledge of relevant legislation through the learning healthcare system. This is a crucial and necessary move for a unified and equitable national system [23]. Challenges persist at the state and territory levels regarding genomic medicine policies, requiring collaborative platforms and approaches to Health Technology Assessment and continued reviews of legislative frameworks such as the Genetic Health Insurance Act of 1973.

Furthermore, healthcare professionals involved in genomic medicine and testing in Australia must navigate a complex legal and regulatory landscape. They must be familiar with several key areas to ensure safe and ethical care. The Privacy Act 1988 protects patient genetic information by classifying it as sensitive and requiring explicit consent for its collection and use. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 prohibits discrimination based on genetic information, ensuring fair treatment in employment, insurance, and other areas of public life. Understanding the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is essential for healthcare professionals to secure reimbursement for genomic tests, and they must stay updated on which tests are covered as the list evolves with advancements in technology. State laws may also govern aspects of genomic medicine, emphasising the need for ongoing professional development and adherence to best practices.

Australian Genomics’ mission to advance genomic medicine through interdisciplinary collaboration signifies a significant step toward shaping the future of genomic interventions in Australia [24]. Legislative support is paramount in ensuring the equitable distribution of genomic medicine benefits across the population, emphasising the importance of a cohesive and inclusive approach to genomic healthcare delivery.

KidGen genomic health futures mission national kidney genomics program flagship

The KidGen Genomics Health Futures Mission (GHFM) National Kidney Genomics Program in Australia is a comprehensive study aiming to enhance patient outcomes for GKD (Fig. 2A). The project targets patients without a genetic diagnosis after clinical diagnostic testing by utilising advanced sequencing techniques not typically available in standard clinical settings [25]. The KidGen GHFM project actively involves patients through its hierarchical structure, which includes a Governance Committee with nine members, including consumer (patient) representatives. These representatives participate in key decision-making processes and ensure patient needs and priorities are central to the research design and execution. The project also offers educational resources and support programs to empower patients, allowing them to engage meaningfully in the research process. Since its launch in 2022, the project has made significant strides in establishing governance protocols, securing ethics approvals, and funding collaborating institutions. A research-based re-analysis of existing genomic datasets is in progress and has already surpassed the intended number of patients, showing promising results that could shape future clinical re-analysis approaches. Intending to recruit around 150 new patients, the progress lies within the expected numbers for a timeline where the national multidisciplinary team approves approximately 80% of cases nominated by 17 participating kidney genetic clinics across Australia. The patients’ research pathway towards genetic diagnosis is outlined in Fig. 2B.

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Problem-solving in kidney genetics: strategies and the power of frame innovation

Problem-solving in kidney genetics involves analysing the patient's genetic makeup, medical history, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. The field constantly evolves, requiring clinicians to stay updated with the latest research to develop tailored treatment strategies. Clinicians enhance problem-solving skills by mastering kidney genetics and understanding diagnostic pathways, including publicly funded testing and available treatments. Collaboration with colleagues and experts through the KGC-MDT (multidisciplinary team) model is crucial in tackling complex cases [4]. However, clinicians can explore innovative solutions beyond traditional boundaries of knowledge by applying critical and creative thinking [26]. The frame innovation method offers a powerful problem-solving approach for kidney genetics [27], potentially transforming how challenges are tackled. This technique involves redefining or reframing a problem to gain fresh perspectives and uncover novel solutions. It is beneficial for intricate problems, and clinicians can use several methods of reframing a problem, such as shifting the focus. i.e., instead of focusing on the disease, focus on the patient's strengths and capacities [27]. Embracing this method enables researchers and practitioners to explore new perspectives and solutions by reframing problems. Researchers can uncover innovative treatment avenues by focusing on patients' strengths rather than just the disease. Questioning assumptions can lead to breakthroughs in genetic understanding and treatment pathways. Considering broader societal and environmental factors allows for more holistic strategies to address health disparities [28]. Ultimately, applying frame innovation in kidney genetics can advance scientific knowledge, promote health equity, and improve outcomes for marginalised populations by developing targeted interventions.

Unveiling critical issues in kidney genomics in Australia: notes from a panel discussion

Invited experts discussed the future of genomic research and personalised care in kidney genomic medicine in Australia. The director of the Office of Research and Innovation at Queensland Health highlighted the challenges and opportunities ahead in kidney genomic medicine, emphasising the importance of innovation and sustainable research for the health service's viability. These recommendations are crucial for maximising the benefits of genomic medicine while managing costs effectively, including developing innovative care models to support kidney genomic medicine. It is essential to move away from outdated healthcare models and adopt progressive 21st-century concepts [29]. This involves prioritising efficient clinical data management, counselling, and resource allocation. An excellent illustration of this shift is the creation of a patient information registry in the mid-2010s, which exemplifies this change in perspective [30]. In nephrology, the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) plays a vital role as a comprehensive patient information registry, collecting and analysing data related to patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation [31]. However, patient awareness of ANZDATA needs improvement, as only about half of them are aware of the registry [32]. Therefore, embracing population health strategies can address health challenges, particularly in vulnerable populations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Establishing collaborative health models with clear referral pathways is vital for comprehensive patient care.

The codesign concept involves patients and their representatives discussing their needs, which is critical to healthcare reforms. Active engagement with diverse voices, including patients and communities, is essential for shaping the future of genomic medicine through transparent communication and collaboration among stakeholders, which is crucial for meaningful change in the healthcare system.

Moving forward

The workshop emphasised critical areas for advancing progress in kidney genomic medicine. The reasoning process is illustrated in Fig. 3, with curated results including:

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National Cohort for Clinical Trials: Establish a national patient registry to streamline participation in ongoing and future clinical trials. This will improve access to novel treatments and expedite development processes.

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Innovation in Research and Care: Encourage researchers/clinicians to apply "frame innovation"—a creative problem-solving method—to explore new perspectives and treatment options for GKD. This could lead to breakthroughs in understanding the disease and developing targeted interventions.

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Patient Engagement and Education: Increase patient involvement in research design and decision-making through education and support programs. This will ensure a focus on patient needs and priorities.

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Sustainable Funding Models: Explore innovative financing models, such as value-based payment for kidney genetic clinics, direct funding for genomic services within healthcare budgets, public–private partnerships, secure ongoing research grants, and advocate for equitable access to testing across all Australian jurisdictions, regions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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Capacity Building: By developing comprehensive training programs for clinicians and genetic counsellors and fostering strong partnerships with health, community, and patient organisations, we will ensure equitable access and best practices for implementing genomic testing in kidney care across tertiary hospitals in Australia.

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Conclusion

The future of kidney genomics promises a transformative vision for nephrology. By embracing collaboration and innovation, we can unlock the full power of genomics for personalised care. However, building trust for the future requires responsible implementation that addresses ethics, data privacy, and financial sustainability. Population health strategies must be community-led and address social determinants of health. Learning from past mistakes, such as incorporating traditional knowledge, is essential for successful implementation. This path leads to improved patient outcomes and an equitable and transformed landscape of kidney care.

Availability of data and materials

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Abbreviations

ADPKD:

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

CNV:

Copy number variant

GHFM:

Genomics Health Futures Mission

GKD:

Genetic kidney disease

KGC:

Kidney genetics clinic

MBS:

Medicare Benefits Schedule

MDT:

Multidisciplinary team

RTA:

Renal tubular acidosis

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