Recommendations for education and training of genetic nurses and counsellors in the United Kingdom

• Published in: Journal of medical genetics Vol. 35; no. 5; pp. 410 - 412
• Main Authors: Skirton, H, Barnes, C, Guilbert, P, Kershaw, A, Kerzin-Storrar, L, Patch, C, Curtis, G, Walford-Moore, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.05.1998; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Education, Graduate; Education, Nursing, Graduate; General aspects. Genetic counseling; Genetic Counseling; Genetics, Medical - education; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Medical genetics; Medical sciences; United Kingdom; United Kingdom; Europe; Genetic counseling; Education; Professional practice; Genetics; Occupational training; Recommendation; Nurse; Genetic disease
• ISSN: 0022-2593; 1468-6244; 1468-6244
• DOI: 10.1136/jmg.35.5.410

Genetic nurses and counsellors work as part of the professional team providing clinical genetic services from regional centres in the United Kingdom. The education and training needs of genetic nurses and counsellors have not previously been formally identified. The guidelines presented have been devised to equip practitioners to fulfil their professional role as defined in a previous study, by identifying objectives, educational pathways, and means of assessment. While academic courses provide an essential framework, experiential learning in a clinical setting is also considered a vital component of the preparation for practice.