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It’s #GenomicsConversation Week 2022!

Join the GEP this week as we focus on helping healthcare professionals to feel confident when talking about genomics with both colleagues and patients

Today is the start of the fifth #GenomicsConversation, the Genomics Education Programme’s (GEP) annual week of action.

Open to all healthcare professionals, the 2022 campaign aims to help everyone in the workforce to feel confident when talking about genomics with both colleagues and patients. As in previous years, each day of the week has been dedicated to one of five key themes, and we have tailored the calendar of activities to reflect each theme.

Here is what we have in store this week:

Monday: What is genomics? Why do I need to talk about it?

If you are new to genomics and want to know what it is and why everyone is talking about it, then join us on Monday for a quick, fun and digestible introduction. View our introductory film with Clinical Director Kate Tatton-Brown, as she explains why genomics is so important in healthcare. Read our introductory blog, ‘Why learn about genomics?’, and check out our selection of introductory films, blogs, quick courses and resources. Finally, discover some of the real-life applications of genomics across a range of specialties, in our Genomics in healthcare collection.

Tuesday: Common questions you may encounter

Have you ever been asked a question about genomics that you were unsure how to answer? What are the common questions patients and colleagues are asking? On Day 2, we have a variety of example questions and scenarios to help you familiarise yourself with key areas. Why not try our short Genomics 101 course: Talking Genomics which offers practical tips and tools for engagement with patients and their families about genomics. We are also delighted to feature the new Genomics England Language Guide, developed by the Participant Panel, offering advice and guidance about language and terms to use or avoid.

Wednesday: Recognising when genomics is relevant

On Day 3, we invite you to ‘think genomics’ especially when talking to your patients. Throughout the day we’ll be showcasing a range of resources that explain how to spot the clinical clues that are often a cause for action. Launching on Wednesday is our dynamic new Genomics in Health Visiting resource developed in collaboration with the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV), packed with tips and tools to support health visitors at any point of their career and at any stage of their genomics learning journey. Finally, find out how much you already know about genomics in our twitter polls. You might surprise yourself! You might surprise yourself!

Thursday: Get ready to talk about genomics

Not everyone needs to know everything about genomics, but a little knowledge can help, but what might you need to know and where do you go to find more information relevant to your profession or specialty? Join us on Day 4 where we will signpost to a range of resources and partners that will help you to learn more about genomics.  Listen to a brilliant new episode of the Genomics England G-Word podcast featuring Clinical Director Kate Tatton-Brown talking about the importance of genomic education and research. Finally, we throw the spotlight onto our newest resource GeNotes, and the knowledge hub resources that cover key themes: core concepts, conditions, genes, genomic technologies and therapies, as well as practical information.

Friday: Key tips and takeaways

On the final day of our campaign, we’ll share lots of different ways to keep learning about genomics and stay up to date. Check out our dedicated profession hubs or watch our films and get comfortable talking about genomics. You could also sign up to complete one of our short courses or consider one of our funded taught courses – the choice is yours. Whatever you do, don’t forget to continue the conversation and tell us what else we can do for you.

Follow all the action on our Twitter and Facebook pages this week and please feel free to share with all your colleagues. Also, do make sure to use the #GenomicsConversation hashtag and tag @genomicsedu so we can like or share your posts.