Nurses, midwives and health visitors need a core knowledge and understanding in genetics to deliver high quality care. The minimum level of knowledge, skills and attitudes in genetics at the point of registration was set out in Fit for Practice in the Genetics Era. Revised in 2010 and based on the original document, we now have a revised framework for the nursing profession and are further developing a similar but separate framework for midwives.
Core statements for the competent practitioner (i.e. the newly qualified nurse or midwife) are accompanied by suggested learning outcomes and practice indicators which can be developed to accommodate increasing experience and responsibility once an individual moves from pre-registration training into practice.
Please note - Both frameworks are currently under development, and the revised midwifery framework with associated learning outcomes and practice indicators will be added over the coming months. To help you identify the right resource(s) for your education and training needs we will also be providing links from individual learning outcomes to selected resources
Following a revision process, the Fit for Practice in the Genetics Era framework has been updated to better reflect developments in genomic healthcare. In Fit for Practice in the Genetics/Genomics Era, all of the original 7 statements have been revised, and a new statement has been added. Brief descriptors of the new competences below illustrate the theme of each statement. Click on the individual statement to display in full, access the learning outcomes and practice indicators and view relevant resources that will support teaching and learning. A copy of the full framework, complete with learning outcomes and practice indicators is available.
1. Identify clients who might benefit from genetic services and/or information through a comprehensive nursing assessment
2. Demonstrate the importance of sensitivity in tailoring genetic/genomic information and services to clients' culture, knowledge, language ability and developmental stage
3. Advocate for the rights of all clients to informed decision-making and voluntary action
4. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the role of genetic/genomic and other factors in maintaining health and in the manifestation, modification and prevention of disease expression, to underpin effective practice
5. Apply knowledge and understanding of the utility and limitations of genetic/genomic testing and information to underpin care and support for individuals and families prior to, during and following decision-making
6. Examine one's own genetic/genomic competency of practice
7. Obtain and communicate credible, current information about genetics/genomics, for self, clients and colleagues
8. Provide ongoing nursing care and support to patients, carers and families with genomic healthcare needs
Core statements will be available as soon as the revised framework has been endorsed by stakeholders. These are similar to those set out in the 2003 framework and this can continue to form the basis for curriculum development in the meantime.
The development of revised frameworks for both nursing and midwifery has involved national meetings with individuals and organisations from across the stakeholder groups. Using real experiences from patients and their families to prompt discussion, a consensus based approach was used to identify the updates and amendments required. A Preliminary Report outlining the process for nursing and detailing those involved to date is available.
All of the documents and reports relating to the original framework (2003) are available from the Nursing and Midwifery Publications section.
Last updated: 14 October 2011
