Genomics for allied health professionals: Survey results
Your responses to our survey will inform the development of genomics education for allied health professionals across England
The Genomics Education Programme would like to say a big thank you to all allied health professionals (AHPs) who took the time to respond to our recent genomics awareness survey. The survey, which was conducted around AHP Day 2022, aimed to assist us in better understanding how much AHP colleagues feel they know about genomics and its influence on patient care. Over 100 NHS staff completed the survey, and our findings have given us a better understanding of how we can best support AHP colleagues to learn more about genomics.
What you told us
Overall, your responses showed that a good majority of you feel you don’t have a good understanding of genomics. Of those who expressed this view:
- the most common reason you gave was that you don’t know what genomics is;
- your biggest barrier to learning more about genomics is time, followed by a perceived lack of relevance or training opportunities;
- the most compelling reasons for you to learn more about genomics would be having more study time, genomics becoming part of your role, and/or your manager asking you to or making it part of your CPD;
- many of you felt that you had not come across genomics in your current role; and
- a large proportion of you answered ‘don’t know’ when asked if you saw genomics as part of your future.
Download our report to see the survey results in full.
What’s next?
The results are already being used to shape activities and resources for AHP colleagues at the next #GenomicsConversation week of action. Beginning on Monday 26 June 2023, this year’s campaign will aim to address the key points gathered from the survey results, including the reported lack of awareness of what genomics is, its perceived lack of relevance and the reported lack of time to learn more about it. Throughout the week we’ll be bringing you the usual assortment of online activities, including podcasts and Twitter chats, as well as signposting to relevant educational resources – all with the aim of helping you to uncover genomics in your practice.
If you would like to get involved in spreading the word about genomics, please get in touch! In the meantime, follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.
