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At a Glance

Up to 6 weeks
Accredited
Part Time
CPPD (15 credits)
Blended learning

Introduction to the Counselling Skills used in Genomic Medicine

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This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, communication and counselling skills as well as the appropriate attitudes and behaviours necessary to support patients and their families whose care will be influenced by genomic investigations.

This module forms part of the HEE Genomics Education Programme’s Master’s in Genomic Medicine framework.

Description

During this course, you will learn how to communicate and provide appropriate support to patients and their families. There will opportunities to develop these essential counselling skills through the use of role play in theoretical and practical sessions. The course also explores the importance of recording a family history and ways to communicate pathogenic and/or uncertain results.

Learn from leading experts in genomics about:

  • Consent and what it means in relation to genomic testing.
  • The 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, taking into consideration issues such as consent, confidentiality and access to records.
  • Different purposes of genomic testing.
  • Approaches to prenatal testing, pre-implantation testing (PGD) and pre-conception carrier screening.
  • Strategies to approach lifelong patient management of whole genome information.
  • Managing and explaining complex genome results.
  • Sources for patient support, including support groups, online information and other resources.
  • Written communication skills; for example how to design clear, comprehensive information for a patient.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module you will be able to:

  • Justify the importance and application of informed consent in the field of genomic medicine generally.
  • Explain the different purposes of genomic testing in patients with rare inherited diseases, cancer and infectious diseases.
  • Discuss the concepts of genetic and genomic predispositions to illnesses.
  • Explain genomic results in terms of diagnosis prediction and uncertainty.
  • Evaluate and apply the skills necessary to support individuals who have genomic results that affect their care.
  • Discuss the consequences of genomic test results for the patient and their family, including findings that draw on the published evidence base and personal experiences of patients, carers and the wider family.
  • Evaluate and apply the communication and counselling skills needed to engage and communicate effectively in a compassionate manner with patients, carers and wider family.
  • Critically evaluate current and potential future ethical, legal and social issues of genome testing and whole genome sequencing.

Funding rules

Funding covers course fees only and is limited to NHS healthcare professionals working in England from the full range of professional backgrounds and groups (such as medicine, nursing, healthcare scientists and technologists). For those interested in CPPD modules, university entry requirements may include criteria around existing understanding and minimum English language requirements.

The Genomics Education Programme provides limited funding to the Universities listed below. Please check with your preferred university to obtain details of the programme modules, entry criteria and the process for funding. See below for the key steps in the application process.

Timetable

Start Date
Queen Mary University of London / University College London September 2019
St George’s, University of London / King’s College London April 2020
University of Birmingham January/February 2020
University of Cambridge March/April 2020
University of Exeter January 2020
University of Manchester November/December 2019

Please check your preferred university’s website for more detailed information about start dates, length and mode of study.

FAQs

The NHS trust that employs me is not part of a designated Genomic Medicine Centre. Can I still apply for funding?

Yes.

I have been awarded funding and started the programme, but I am unable to complete. What are my options?

Funding is awarded for the period specified in the application form and there is no automatic ability to defer completion of the programme. You should speak to your university in the first instance about your situation and also contact the Genomics Education Programme (GEP) team regarding funding.

You may choose to reduce the workload of your programme by switching from, for example, a full Master’s degree to a diploma or certificate. Again, you would need to contact your course provider and the GEP.

How much study time is required to undertake this programme?

Study time will vary across the course providers. You are advised to visit your preferred university’s website for more information or to contact the relevant course lead. Most modules involve around 5 days of face-to-face teaching, followed by 2-4 weeks of independent study and assessment preparation.

A distance learning option is provided at Queen Mary University of London.

Can I build up my CPPD modules to a full Master’s, PGDip or PGCert qualification?

The process and ability to do this will be dependent on your preferred university and you should contact them to discuss available options.

I am eligible but have been refused a commissioned place – why?

This may be due to the following potential reasons:

  • The university you have applied to has used up all its commissioned allocations.
  • The total number of available national commissions have been fully allocated.
  • We are now applying controls to the commissioned places based on healthcare profession roles to help ensure equitable access across professions on a national scale.
I am not eligible for a HEE-funded place – can I self-fund?

This should be discussed with your preferred university.

I work for an organisation that provides services to the NHS – am I eligible to apply?

Yes – please provide details of your organisation and its services for the NHS when you apply to your preferred university.

Make an enquiry

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University Providers

Funded

The logos below indicate the university providers that are able to accept HEE funded applications for this course. Follow the links provided to begin your university application process.

Queen Marys University of London / University College LondonSt Georges, University of LondonUniversity of BirminghamUniversity of CambridgeUniversity of ExeterUniversity of Manchester

Self Funded

The logos below indicate the university providers that may be able to accept self-funded applications for this course. Follow the links provided to begin your university application process.

The University of SheffieldUniversity of Southampton

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