Genomics in the NHS: A clinician’s guide to genomic testing for cancer (solid tumours)
Join our new two-week online course for a practical guide to the genomic testing pathway for solid tumours
Over the last twelve months, there has been an increase in the availability and applicability of genomic testing in healthcare. For clinicians new to genomic testing, the concepts and systems in the testing process can feel complicated and daunting.
On Monday 22 January, the National Genomics Education programme will launch its exciting new online course developed in collaboration with St George’s University of London, ‘Genomics in the NHS: A clinician’s guide to genomic testing for cancer’, to help clinicians understand the genomic testing process for solid tumour indications.
Virtual learning
Hosted on the FutureLearn platform and set over two weeks, the new course presents a comprehensive introduction to genomic testing for solid tumours and covers both the practical aspects and the wider context, supporting clinicians with ordering tests, using the National Genomic Test Directory and feeding back results to patients. Learners will hear from a wide range of people, from genomics specialists to patients with lived experience of cancer, to help understand the scope and importance of genomic testing.
The finer details
In week one, the course will cover an overview of cancer and genomic testing in the NHS, its depth and breadth within the service and how the technology is evolving at pace. Learners will also find out more about the role of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service including the GLH/GMSA structure as well as an overview of the test directory and the key genomic tests for cancer.
The second week of the course will provide a more detailed walkthrough of the genomic testing pathway for solid tumours, including how to identify a patient who could benefit from testing and how to discuss results with a patient and their family. Learners will have unique access to expert interviews and hear patient perspectives from the pathway and learn how they interact to provide effective care.
Engage with learners and experts
Learning is through a variety of interactive media, including video tutorials, interviews, animations, articles and discussion steps. Quizzes and activities which allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and generate further discussion are encouraged in the comments below each step. Those wishing to learn more about a given topic or area can do so by following signposting out to other resources, or talking to a course mentor who will be active on the course in its initial two-week run.
For further details, please visit the course page. NHS staff signing up from Monday 22 Jan should use this link, which provides a free, lifetime course upgrade.
