Genomic Answers First
Aiming to improve care for children now and in the future
At Children’s Mercy, we believe every child deserves the best chance at the right care, as early as possible. That’s why we’re launching Genomic Answers First, a research initiative designed to explore whether genomic screening early in a child’s care can help their care teams better understand a child’s health needs and guide more personalized care.
Children’s Mercy is the first hospital to study whether early genome sequencing prior to specialty appointments can lead to better long-term care for children.
What is Genomic Answers First?
Genomic Answers First uses genomic screening to look closely at a child’s DNA to try to understand whether a genetic difference may be contributing to their health needs.
The initiative will begin in select clinics chosen to include large populations of children with varied access to genomic evaluation and potential for unidentified benefits for early genome sequencing. For some children, genomic information can help explain symptoms, guide treatment decisions or help families understand what to expect next.
Through this pilot, researchers will study whether genomic screening can help:
- Shorten the diagnostic journey for families.
- Identify genetic conditions earlier.
- Support more personalized care.
- Reduce unnecessary testing and delays.
A research study designed around families
Genomic Answers First is a research study. That means our teams are learning how this approach may help improve care for children now and in the future.
If your child is invited to participate, it does not mean something is wrong. Thousands of children are being invited to participate as we work to learn who might benefit from early genetic screening, who might not, and how it should be offered. Participation is voluntary, and eligible families will receive information to help them decide whether joining the study is right for them.
Our goal
Our goal is simple: to help more families find answers sooner and support care that is smarter, more connected and tailored to each child. As Children’s Mercy continues to advance pediatric research and precision medicine, insights from Genomic Answers First may help expand access to emerging therapies and build a more proactive model of pediatric care.
Genomic Answers First builds on Children’s Mercy’s nationally recognized leadership in pediatric genomics and precision medicine, including our work through Genomic Answers for Kids and advances in rapid and long-read genomic sequencing.
Questions?
The families of children eligible for Genomic Answers First, will be offered more information about the study by Children’s Mercy staff. Eligible families can also contact the study team to learn more about participation, what to expect and how genomic information may be used.