Module overview
This module gives an introduction to the theory and practice of genomic counselling. It will equip students with the knowledge, communication and counselling skills, appropriate attitudes and behaviours towards the diagnosis and management of patients whose care will be influenced by genomic investigations.
Given the interactive nature of the module, in-person attendance is essential for successful completion of the module.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explain genomic results in terms of diagnostic prediction and uncertainty.
- Explain the importance and application of consent in the field of genomic medicine.
- Evaluate and discuss the theory that underpins counselling and demonstrate counselling and communication skills.
- Explain the different purposes of genomic testing in patients with rare inherited diseases and cancer.
- Discuss and critically evaluate current and potential future ethical, legal and social issues of genome testing and whole genome sequencing.
- Explain the range of mainstream care pathways used to test for inherited and acquired disorders and evaluate their effectiveness including how they support clinical decision making.
- Describe and demonstrate communication skills to engage and communicate effectively with the individual, the family, health care professionals and the wider public.
- Discuss the consequences of genomic test results for the patient and the wider family , drawing on the published evidence base and personal experiences of patients, carers and the wider family.
Syllabus
In depth understanding of Counselling and Communication skills as applied to clinical genomics practice to include:
• Communication and counselling skills
• Consent and what it means in relation to genomic testing
• Ethical and social implications of genomic testing
• How to record and interpret a family history, recognising what is or may be relevant
• How to verify personal and family history information; consent, confidentiality, access to records
• Different purposes of genomic testing
• Approaches to prenatal testing, pre-implantation testing and pre-conception carrier screening in relation to new technologies
• Strategies of approach to lifelong patient management of whole genome information
• Managing and explaining complex genome results
• Sources for patient support: patient support groups, on-line resources, other resources
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will comprise a one week block of intensive on-site teaching. The module is highly interactive and due to the sensitive nature of the material discussed recordings will not be available of interactive sessions; as such it is essential to attend in person teaching to successfully complete the module.
A variety of learning and teaching methods will be adopted to promote a wide range of skills and meet the differing learning styles of the group.
The on-site teaching will include seminars, practical demonstrations, discussions and exercises surrounding interpretation of data and clinical scenarios, and specialist lectures given by a range of academic and health care professionals. This will ensure a breadth and depth of perspective, giving a good balance between background theories and principles and practical experience.
Given the group nature of much of the teaching, there is a minimum cohort size of six students. In the case of insufficient student numbers, this module may not run. If this is the case we will let you know as soon as possible and support you to identify alternative modules.
Off-site independent learning will be supported through our virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 120 |
| Teaching | 30 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assessment for the module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. In addition to the summative assessments, during the course of the module there will be opportunities to obtain feedback during class-based discussions and activities. The pass mark for this module is 50%; if you have failed the module, the Board of Examiners may offer you the opportunity to submit work at the next referral (re-sit) opportunity.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Reflective report | 50% |
| Essay | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External