Patients with or at risk of genetic conditions are being cared for across our health services and advances in genetics are now part of clinical practice across the NHS.
Which conditions are (or might be) genetic? We have compiled a list of common genetic conditions seen in clinical practice that may have a genetic component and a list of common genetic conditions.
Where do I refer patients for specialist genetics services? In the UK, specialist genetics services are organised regionally. A directory of UK regional genetics centres for referrals is maintained by the British Society for Human Genetics.
Where can I find clinical and laboratory information on genetic testing? The UK Genetic Testing Network advises the NHS on genetic testing.
Many health professionals already carry out activities involving genetics skills and knowledge in their daily practice, for example, taking a family history or talking with patients about conditions that have a genetic basis. A set of competences for genetics in clinical practice for non-genetics healthcare staff have been developed.
New services and new roles that include genetics are being developed across the NHS. Examples include the White Paper funded service development initiatives, GPs with a special interest in genetics (GPwSIs) and the development of cancer family history clinics. Information and experiences from current and previous service development initiatives have been collected into a Toolkit for those developing services.
The need to integrate genetics into the clinical practice of health professionals, and therefore the need for genetics education for health professionals, has been widely recognised by government, professional organisations, health professionals and educators.
Key publications on strategic background
Integrating genetics into clinical practice requires relevant genetics education at all levels of training and continuing professional development.
Learning genetics - Information and resources for health professionals, including a basic genetics 'refresher', conditions quick reference and core genetic activities applied to the patient pathway.
Teaching genetics - Information and resources for health professional educators, including links to learning outcomes and competences for health professional groups and resources for teaching genetics.
Last updated: 13 October 2011
