What do non-genetics trainee medical specialists need to know about genetics for clinical practice?
Purpose: Before genetics education can be provided, it is important to know what content is appropriate for the target group. In the UK, the NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre’s work with medical professionals has included identifying learning outcomes in genetics for non-genetics trainee medical specialists to facilitate the incorporation of genetics into their training and clinical practice.
Methods: A national sample of geneticists and specialty consultants were asked to identify key knowledge, skills and attitudes for non-genetics trainee medical specialists through a web-based Delphi survey. The set of core knowledge, skills and attitudes identified were used to develop learning outcomes. Geneticists involved in educating non-genetics trainee medical specialists were consulted on the relevance of these core learning outcomes and how to incorporate them into existing training programmes.
Results: Six broad learning outcome statements covering core genetics concepts were developed, each linked to relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes. The geneticists consulted agreed that these learning outcomes and sub-topics were relevant to all postgraduate medical specialties. In order to emphasise the relevance of genetics to clinical practice, they recommended that these core concepts be taught with reference to specialty-specific conditions. Conditions for cardiology, dermatology and neurology have been identified and work with other specialties is underway.
Conclusion: The learning outcomes and linked teaching topics provide a useful framework for those involved in the genetics education of non-genetics medical specialty trainees, identifying core concepts and ultimately, specialty specific conditions through which to teach them.
www.geneticseducation.nhs.uk