Towards unified fi ed reporting of genome sequencing results in clinical microbiology

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become a vital tool in clinical microbiology, playing an important role in outbreak investigations, molecular surveillance, and identification fi cation of bacterial species, resistance mechanisms and virulence factors. However, the complexity of WGS data presents challenges in interpretation and reporting, requiring tailored strategies to enhance efficiency fi ciency and impact. This study explores the diverse needs of key stakeholders in healthcare, including clinical management, laboratory work, public surveillance and epidemiology, infection prevention and control, and academic research, regarding WGS-based reporting of clinically relevant bacterial species. In order to determine preferences regarding WGS reports, human-centered design approach was employed, involving an online survey and a subsequent workshop with stakeholders. The survey gathered responses from 64 participants representing the above mentioned healthcare sectors across geographical regions. Key fi ndings include the identification fi cation of barriers related to data accessibility, integration with patient records, and the complexity of interpreting WGS results. As the participants designed their ideal report using nine pre-defined fi ned sections of a typical WGS report, differences in needs regarding report structure and content across stakeholders became evident. The workshop discussions further highlighted the need to feature critical fi ndings and quality metrics prominently in reports, as well as the demand for fl exible report designs. Commonalities were observed across stakeholder-specific fi c reporting templates, such as the uniform ranking of certain report sections, but preferences regarding the depth of content within these sections varied. Using these fi ndings, we suggest stakeholder-specific fi c structures which should be considered when designing customized reporting templates. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of tailoring WGS-based reports of clinically relevant bacteria to meet the distinct needs of diverse healthcare stakeholders. The evolving landscape of digital reporting increases the opportunities with respect to WGS reporting and its utility in managing infectious diseases and public health surveillance.