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The National Genomic Research Library

Patients who are being tested by the Genomic Medicine Service using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) can choose to contribute to the National Genomic Research Library (NGRL).

The NGRL is a secure national database managed by Genomics England, a company set up and owned by the UK Department of Health and Social Care. It allows approved researchers to access data and samples to study conditions and look for new treatments that might help your patients and others now or in the future.

NGRL resources to support discussion with patients

1. Video

Genomics England has developed additional resources to support healthcare professionals having discussions about the NGRL. These include a 1-minute video (opens in a new tab) that provides an overview about what it means to take part in the NGRL.

The video is aimed at patients and family members in the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, who are being given the opportunity to contribute to the NGRL because of their rare disease or cancer. It may also be useful for clinicians who are responsible for offering the NGRL to patients, or used for education & training purposes.

Clinicians may show this video to their patients as part of a clinic appointment, or send a link before or after an appointment.

Please complete this feedback form (opens in a new tab) to help Genomics England improve this resource and consider any additional resources that could support your patients in making decisions about the NGRL.

2. Patient leaflets

The video should be used alongside other resources about the NGRL, which can be found with other resources for clinicians (opens in a new tab) including:

Further information about the National Genomic Research Library for patients and participants is available on the Genomics England website (opens in a new tab).

NGRL forms

Record of discussion form

The WGS Record of Discussion (opens in a new tab) form should be used to document your patient's decision regarding the NGRL.

If the patient is a child or unable to provide their consent, additional forms may be required, as shown below.

Non-urgent advice: Individuals aged 16+ years with capacity

Clinical Test

RoD signed by individual (or by clinician on behalf of the patient)

NGRL*

No additional forms

*Research choice captured within RoD; additional form to note choice about NGRL if not made at time of clinical test discussion (OPT form)

Non-urgent advice: Children (less than 16 years)

Clinical Test

RoD signed by parent/guardian (or by clinician on behalf of the patient)

NGRL*

OPTIONAL Assent form signed by child

*Research choice captured within RoD; additional form to note choice about NGRL if not made at time of clinical test discussion (OPT form)

Young assent form

Patients between 6 and 15 years of age should complete the young persons' assent form (opens in a new tab) to show they have been informed about their involvement in the National Genomic Research Library (NGRL).

Non-urgent advice: Patient representative/consultee (for adults without capacity)

Clinical test

RoD signed by person acting in best interests of patient (or by clinician on behalf of the patient)

NGRL*

MANDATORY Consultee form signed by consultee

*Research choice captured within RoD; additional form to note choice about NGRL if not made at time of clinical test discussion (OPT form)

Consultee declaration form

If the person completing the WGS Record of Discussion form is a consultee (relative, friend or advocate on behalf of an adult who lacks capacity), a consultee declaration form (opens in a new tab) is also required to enable the patient to participate in the NGRL.

Non-urgent advice: Deceased

Clinical test

RoD signed by appropriate relative (or by clinician on behalf of the patient)

NGRL*

No additional forms

*Research choice captured within RoD; additional form to note choice about NGRL if not made at time of clinical test discussion (OPT form)

Withdrawal from National Genomic Research Library form

A patient may choose to withdraw from the NGRL at any time by completing the withdrawal form (opens in a new tab) and does not have to give a reason.