Course unit details:
Counselling Skills for Genomics
| Unit code | BIOL67381 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Offered by | School of Biological Sciences |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This is an introductory module which aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to communicate genomic information to patients and their families. The module will help participants develop practical skills including a genomic approach to family history taking, communicating complex genomic information, supporting decision-making around test choices, facilitating communication within families and accessing sources of support for patients. Content will be guided by a family systems approach to practice which takes account of the ethical and psychosocial impacts of genomic information.
Teaching will be delivered as blended learning with online sessions before and after a two-day consecutive block of face to face teaching.
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to communicate with patients and their families around genetic and genomic testing.
Teaching and learning methods
This module will be delivered as blended learning comprising;
Seven online learning sessions (Which include didactic Material, demonstration videos, reflective exercises and self assessment quizzes.
Two day teaching block (15 hours in total) and 9 face to face interactive workshops
Three further online learning sessions
Short case based assignment
1 Hour Exam
Knowledge and understanding
Evaluate the principles and benefits of informed consent in the field of genomic medicine.
Access existing practice guidelines around genetic testing and use them to interpret case studies
Analyse the potential psychosocial impact of genomic test results drawing on the published evidence base of patient and family experiences, and evaluate the strategies professionals can use to provide support
Describe the theoretical framework of family systems theory and evaluate its relevance to practice in supporting families undergoing genomic testing
Intellectual skills
Examine the different purposes of genomic testing in child and adult patients, pregnancies, and healthy individuals.
Demonstrate the usefulness of family history information in assessing genetic risk, genomic results, and family burden
Practical skills
Take a family history relevant to genomic testing.
Facilitate shared decision-making around whether to undergo genetic testing.
Be able to take meaningful consent for genomic testing in the clinical setting, including for the 100,000 Genomes Project
Communicate genomic results in an empathic manner, and explain their predictive value and parameters of uncertainty taking into account the patient’s current concerns, educational background, and learning ability.
Employ strategies to support families to communicate around genomic test results including disseminating information to other relatives at risk.
Identify sources of support for patients including patient support groups and on-line resources.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Apply acquired skills to area of own healthcare practice to deliver effectively and support patient choices in relation to genomic information
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 70% |
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 30% |
Feedback methods
Written feedback given.
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 150 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Rhona Macleod | Unit coordinator |