Unit 6 Summary

Summary

This unit focuses on information and education for European patients, families and the healthcare professionals who support them. The views of patients and consumers, and the impact that a genetic diagnosis has on their lives will be used to inform and develop information and educational materials for patients and professionals alike. This unit will provide an important resource for use in the development of high quality genetic testing services throughout the E.U. It will also create opportunities for the professional development of non specialist healthcare personnel through harmonisation and the development of written statements of appropriate practice. The outputs for this will also inform the work of other units in the EuroGentest.

To achieve this the education unit is:

1. Assessing the availability and quality of patient information about genetic testing, currently provided by genetic specialists in genetic clinics across Europe.
2. Developing informative, accurate and patient centred information about all aspects of genetic testing including scientific as well as psychological and social information. A list of other reputable information sources will also be available.
3. Assessing the current availability and accessibility of professional educational programmes and courses in genetics.
4. Develop a set of core competences to guide education of all health professionals. This will be important as genetic information increasingly impacts on everyday healthcare.
5. Assessing the need for further development of educational resources.
6. Developing a set of core competences for a range of health professionals including those specialising in genetics, those working in other specialties and generalist healthcare professionals.