"[genetics] is something every nurse, every midwife, every allied health professional needs to know"
Prof Helen Langton Pro Vice-Chancellor University of the West of England
"its important that all nurses and midwifes understand why [genetics] is an essential and integral part of your practice"
Jane Denton, CBE Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing Director of the Multiple Births Foundation
This section of the site is for all nurses and midwives as well as their educators and managers. It looks specifically at the knowledge and skills each member of staff should have from the point of qualification.
Whether you are a nurse or midwife who is looking to integrate genetics/genomics within your practice or an educator developing your curriculum further (in line with the 2010 NMC Standards), we hope these pages will provide the information and resources that you are looking for.
If you have any questions please contact Emma Tonkin, Education Development Officer (etonkin@glam.ac.uk) or telephone 01443 483156.
It is fundamental that all individuals who have, or at risk of a genetic condition are able to access genetic information and testing (if available), and that all patients will be able to benefit from future developments in genomic medicine where appropriate. At a basic level, all nurses and midwives (who are often the first point of contact for patients and families) must be able to recognise situations where this may be possible; they must know how and where to seek specialist advice; and they must be able to communicate the relevant aspects of this process to the patient and family members or carers.
An increase in the demand for genetics services is likely to see the development and mainstreaming of some genetic activities. As the largest sector of the health professional workforce, nurses and midwives need the right knowledge and skills in genetics and genomics that they can use within their practice now and which they can develop to incorporate future advances.
Health professionals need access to genetics education and training throughout their career. For the nurses and midwives this begins with pre-registration training and continues after qualifying with post-registration courses and continuing professional development and updating.
Fit for Practice in the Genetics/Genomics Era (revised and updated during 2010) outlines the basic knowledge and understanding in genetics and genomics required to deliver high quality care. Skills are developed with increasing experience and responsibility as the nurse/midwife moves from pre-registration training into practice and the framework complements the Genetics Activities in Clinical Practice that describe specific components that individuals may have within their rob role.
There are many ways that you can find out more about genetics/genomics in healthcare practice.
Last updated: 14 October 2011
