Enhancing Genetic Research and Data Management with OurDNA and WeGuide

Introduction

OurDNA, a program led by the Centre for Population Genomics, is dedicated to advancing inclusive genetic research and healthcare in Australia by partnering with multicultural communities. Their mission is to ensure that Australian communities underrepresented or completely missing from genetic databases are represented in genetic data and research. By expanding these databases, OurDNA aims to improve diagnosis, prediction, prevention, and treatment of disease with the goal of ensuring that the future of genomic medicine benefits all Australians.

Building a genetic health database that reflects Australia’s multicultural communities—and effectively engaging communities along the way—comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why OurDNA sought a dependable software partner in WeGuide. 

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The Challenge

As OurDNA expanded its mission to build a genetic health database that reflects Australia’s diverse communities, they encountered a unique set of challenges in managing participant interactions and collecting accurate data. A significant barrier for many diverse communities to participate in genomic research is the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate communication and consent materials. Additionally, OurDNA aims to recruit a diverse age range, which requires developing a digital data collection platform and processes appropriate for younger and older demographics. 

To engage participants effectively across cultural, linguistic and technical backgrounds, OurDNA needed a digital solution to streamline communication, effectively manage translations, simplify consent processes, and provide user-friendly interfaces. It was clear they required a sophisticated platform that could adapt to the linguistic, cultural, and technological diversity of their participants.

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The Solution

OurDNA worked closely with WeGuide in order to develop a digital solution to implement their community centred approach. The platform leverages OurDNA’s approach to enhance participant engagement, streamline data collection, and ensure data accuracy. Here’s how WeGuide’s platform meets these needs:

• Multilanguage and user friendly design: WeGuide’s platform is built to be intuitive and accessible, regardless of a participant’s primary language or technical skills. The system includes multilingual capabilities for consent forms and other materials. Features like “Magic Link” login make it easy for participants to access their accounts without needing advanced digital skills, and the platform is available through both Web, iOS and Android applications supporting up to 5 years of legacy devices. With these tools, OurDNA can utilise the platform to consent a diverse range of participants, empowering everyone who wants to contribute to this important research.
• Data management with real time validation: With the WeGuide form builder, OurDNA has developed a suite of robust forms featuring real-time form validation. If a response is missing or not in the correct format, participants are prevented from proceeding until the entry has been updated. This ensures data is accurate and complete upon entry, reducing errors and enhancing the reliability of the collected data. Real-time validation provides immediate feedback on data quality, enabling on-the-spot corrections, which ultimately supports the integrity of OurDNA's research outcomes.
• Integration with External Systems: Through WeGuide’s Integration Engine, OurDNA can connect with external systems to automate processes that were previously manual. For example, WeGuide data is transferred to the OurDNA platform to automatically generate pathology forms needed for genetic sampling with pathology providers, eliminating the need for manual form creation. This integration not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors, allowing OurDNA’s team to focus on higher-value tasks.

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The Impact

Although still in the early stages of implementation, WeGuide’s platform has already begun delivering tangible benefits to OurDNA. Here are some of the key improvements they’ve observed:

• Participant Accessibility: By providing multi-lingual capabilities into its participant information and consent forms, OurDNA has enabled the participation of individuals whose primary language is not English. This inclusive strategy has opened doors for better communication, allowing individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds to feel more comfortable and informed about participating. As a result, OurDNA has been able to utilise the WeGuide platform to implement their inclusive approach to research recruitment. 
• Streamlined Data Collection: The digital system has good adherence and compliance rates. Participants can easily complete all necessary steps, which ensures that OurDNA has access to high-quality, comprehensive data across diverse populations.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: With access to WeGuide’s data integration features, the OurDNA team has been able to build systems that automate the generation of pathology collection forms, saving considerable time and resources. This has allowed the OurDNA study to build capacity within their sample collection operations creating  —a level of efficiency that simply wasn’t possible with their previous methods.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Stuart Cantsilieris, Senior Project Manager at OurDNA, shared his appreciation:

The WeGuide platform has transformed our operations. It's refreshing to work with a parner who understand our needs and delivers solutions that align so well with our mission.

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Conclusion

Thanks to WeGuide’s innovative digital platform, OurDNA is able to engage effectively with multicultural communities. WeGuide is able to support OurDNA’s mission to embed inclusive approaches in genomics research and paving the way for healthcare professionals and researchers to diagnose illnesses more accurately and develop targeted treatments for all Australians.

This collaboration exemplifies the positive impact of digital technology on genetic research, helping to bridge gaps in healthcare for underrepresented communities. If you’re interested in learning more about OurDNA’s work, visit the OurDNA's website.

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