Leading health professionals to the post-genomic era
Mapping of the human genome has generated an enormous amount of information. The knowledge derived coupled with the concomitant technological advances based on this accomplishment provide an asset for professionals related to health care. Genetic testing has become a typical approach for diagnosis of diseases or anomalies. The results interpretation and their communication to patients is a critical task. Considering that primary health care professionals have received their education long before the aforementioned breakthrough in biology, their knowledge in genetics is under consideration. GenEd aim was to record the frequency of genetic activity in clinical practice and report on what health professionals would perceive as their educational needs. A survey was carried out in eleven EU countries targeting primary care health professionals. The group comprised of General Physicians, midwives, paediatricians, obstetricians and gynaecologists, who usually interact first with individuals or families with a genetic concern. The results revealed that the level of genetic knowledge was mainly set and assessed by professional organisations. A great variation between countries and specialty groups was also observed. Comparison between the curricula offered during undergraduate studies in medicine in different countries for genetics courses showed that they were highly diverse. Most curricula offered education in scientific/molecular genetic knowledge with limited emphasis on clinical genetics to health and illness. Some countries provided clinical genetics courses only to medical doctors registered for specialisation, while others had no syllabus on any genetic aspects. In three countries, Clinical Genetics Professional National Societies had published core competencies in genetic knowledge and skills aiming to increase awareness. Whether genetic education for non-genetic health professionals will meet the arising needs is an open question. A common EU strategy is absolutely essential to enhance professionals' knowledge and perspectives in genetics field and emerging technologies. GenEd partners have made the first step towards this direction.
