Journal of Pathology Informatics (Jan 2015)

A conceptual model for translating omic data into clinical action

  • Timothy M Herr,
  • Suzette J Bielinski,
  • Erwin Bottinger,
  • Ariel Brautbar,
  • Murray Brilliant,
  • Christopher G Chute,
  • Joshua Denny,
  • Robert R Freimuth,
  • Andrea Hartzler,
  • Joseph Kannry,
  • Isaac S Kohane,
  • Iftikhar J Kullo,
  • Simon Lin,
  • Jyotishman Pathak,
  • Peggy Peissig,
  • Jill Pulley,
  • James Ralston,
  • Luke Rasmussen,
  • Dan Roden,
  • Gerard Tromp,
  • Marc S Williams,
  • Justin Starren

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/2153-3539.163985
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
pp. 46 – 46

Abstract

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Genomic, proteomic, epigenomic, and other "omic" data have the potential to enable precision medicine, also commonly referred to as personalized medicine. The volume and complexity of omic data are rapidly overwhelming human cognitive capacity, requiring innovative approaches to translate such data into patient care. Here, we outline a conceptual model for the application of omic data in the clinical context, called "the omic funnel." This model parallels the classic "Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom pyramid" and adds context for how to move between each successive layer. Its goal is to allow informaticians, researchers, and clinicians to approach the problem of translating omic data from bench to bedside, by using discrete steps with clearly defined needs. Such an approach can facilitate the development of modular and interoperable software that can bring precision medicine into widespread practice.

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