Program Overview

Introduction to the Counselling Skills used in Genomic Medicine

This course focuses on building knowledge and skills in communication, counselling, and appropriate attitudes to support individuals and their families affected by genomic investigations. The topics cover assessing the implications of genomic testing and include both theoretical learning and practical sessions.

Course Overview

The aim of this microcredential is to provide an introduction to the knowledge, communication, and counselling skills, and appropriate attitudes and behaviours, to support individuals and their families whose care will be influenced by genomic investigations. Students will be taught how to communicate and provide appropriate support to individuals and their families. Development of counselling skills will be achieved via theoretical and practical sessions through the use of role play within an academic setting.

Course Content

• Consent and what it means in relation to genetic and genomic testing
• Ethical and social implications of genomic testing
• How to record and interpret a family history, and recognising what is or may be relevant
• How to verify personal and family history information; consent, confidentiality, and access to records
• Different purposes of genomic testing, including: approaches to prenatal testing, pre-implantation testing (PGD), and pre-conception carrier screening
• Strategies of approach to lifelong patient management of whole genome information
• Managing and explaining complex genome results
• Sources for patient support: patient support groups, online resources, and other resources
• Communication and counselling skills, including: written communication skills (for example, designing written information for a patient); communication of genetic risk, including risk perception, and strategies for risk communication; communicating the relevance of genomic testing with a patient
• Counselling tools to convey risk and other complex information
• Impact on the individual and family of a possible genetic condition
• Counselling theory that underpins genetic counselling practice
• The role of a genetic counsellor and the wider multi-disciplinary team

Course Delivery

Attendance Required

On-campus teaching will take place on 5 days: Tuesday 25th - Thursday 27th February and Wednesday 26th - Thursday 27th March 2025.

Lead

Dr Laura Boyes (Lead Consultant Genetic Counsellor, West Midlands Regional Genetics Service)

Credits

15 Masters level credits

Entry Requirements

Students should have a good honours degree in a life sciences subject, although applicants with alternative qualifications and professional experience within the health service or other relevant background will be considered. Students should either take Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics, Omics Techniques and Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine, and Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases first, or be able to show they have equivalent knowledge and understanding to enable them to benefit from this module.

Fees and Scholarships

• Home microcredential fee: £1,000

Application Process

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.