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Engaging Nurses in Genetics: The Strategic Approach of the NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre

  • Professional Issues
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Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

The UK government announced the establishment of an NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre in its Genetics White Paper. The Centre aims to lead and coordinate developments to enhance genetics literacy of health professionals. The nursing program takes a strategic approach based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior, using the UK nursing genetics competences as the platform for development. The program team uses innovative approaches to raise awareness of the relevance of genetics, working collaboratively with policy stakeholders, as key agents of change in promoting competence. Providing practical help in preparing learning and teaching resources lends further encouragement. Evaluation of the program is dependent on gathering baseline data, and the program has been informed by an education needs analysis. The challenges faced are substantial and necessitate international collaboration where expertise and resources can be shared to produce a global system of influence to facilitate the engagement of non-genetic nurses.

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Acknowledgements

The NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre is funded by the UK Department of Health and Welsh Assembly Government. The contribution of Dr Juping Yu to the literature review is gratefully acknowledged. The authors would like to thank all collaborators who have contributed to the nursing program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre, Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, University of Glamorgan, Glyntaf Campus, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, CF37 1DL, UK

    Maggie Kirk & Emma Tonkin

  2. Centre for Research in Medical and Dental Education, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Sarah Burke

Authors
  1. Maggie Kirk
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  2. Emma Tonkin
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  3. Sarah Burke
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maggie Kirk.

Appendix

Appendix

The UK Nursing Competences in Genetics: 7 Standard Statements

All nurses, midwives and health visitors, at the point of registration, should be able to:

  1. 1.

    Identify clients who might benefit from genetic services and information

    • through an understanding of the importance of family history in assessing predisposition to disease,

    • seeking assistance from and referring to appropriate genetics experts and peer support resources, and

    • based on an understanding of the components of the current genetic counselling process.

  2. 2.

    Appreciate the importance of sensitivity in tailoring genetic information and services to clients’ culture, knowledge and language level

    • recognising that ethnicity, culture, religion and ethical perspectives may influence the clients' ability to utilise these.

  3. 3.

    Uphold the rights of all clients to informed decision making and voluntary action

    • based on an awareness of the history of misuse of human genetic information and

    • understanding of the importance of delivering genetic education and counselling fairly, accurately and without coercion or personal bias,

    • recognising that personal values and beliefs may influence the care and support provided to clients during decision-making.

  4. 4.

    Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the role of genetic and other factors in maintaining health and in the manifestation, modification and prevention of disease expression, to underpin effective practice.

  5. 5.

    Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the utility and limitations of genetic testing and information

    • including the ethical, legal and social issues related to testing and recording of genetic information and

    • the potential physical and/or psychosocial consequences of genetic information for individuals, family members, and communities.

  6. 6.

    Recognise the limitations of one’s own genetics expertise

    • based on an understanding of one’s professional role in the referral, provision or follow-up to genetics services.

  7. 7.

    Obtain and communicate credible, current information about genetics, for self, clients and colleagues

    • using information technologies effectively to do so.

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Kirk, M., Tonkin, E. & Burke, S. Engaging Nurses in Genetics: The Strategic Approach of the NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre. J Genet Counsel 17, 180–188 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-007-9127-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-007-9127-y

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