Supporting information and guidance for pre-registration genomics education programmes
Following the inclusion of genomics in the NMC standards of proficiency for registered nurses and for midwives, the North Thames (NT) and South East (SE) Genomic Medicine Service Alliances (GMSAs) in collaboration with a group of higher education institutions (HEIs) in London, have developed guiding principles, learning outcomes and signposting to resources (including the NHSE’s National Genomics Education Programme) to support HEIs and educators delivering pre-registration education programmes.
For more information about these principles, including how they were developed and how they can be used, please see the FAQs below.
Note: We are keen to hear your comments and feedback on this guidance. If you have any thoughts that you would like to share, please email Dominic Studart, nursing lead for NT and SE GMSAs.
These principles were developed by a working group representing the following institutions:
Frequently asked questions
What are the aims of the core principles document?
This resource aims to support HEIs delivering pre-registration nursing and midwifery education programmes by providing guidance on core principles, articulated as learning outcomes, that can be included in established curriculum and signposting to material to support delivery. The core principles complement and can be used in conjunction with the National Genomics Education Programme’s nursing educator’s toolkit to support students’ learning journeys.
Who is the resource for?
The resource has been created primarily for those delivering pre-registration nursing and midwifery training programmes. However, it can also be used to support postgraduate or workforce development education for nurses and midwives. Additionally, it may be helpful to support HEIs who offer pre-registration programmes for other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapy or speech and language therapists.
How do I use it?
It is anticipated that the principles will be used to inform curriculum development to embed genomic education through the education programmes delivered by the HEIs. The signposting of material will enable the faculty to develop their lesson plans, embed a service user perspective and maintain an evidence-based approach in support of the curriculum. Furthermore, the principles have been mapped to the NMC standards and where applicable the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) generic syllabus for genomics.
Why was it developed?
The resource was developed in response to HEIs in London recognising the need to have a clearly articulated, evidence-based, consistent and systematic approach to support the requirements of genomics within the NMC standards of proficiency for registered nurses and for midwives.
The principles also support the NHS strategy for embedding genomics into service over the next five years, and help achieve the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Plan.
Who developed it?
To develop the resource, a working group was established with membership from the following:
Will it be updated?
Yes. This is the first iteration of the resource, and it will evolve as the use of genomics in healthcare grows and the HEIs/faculty start to use the resource and provide feedback. Any feedback you can provide from your use of the resource is greatly appreciated to support this process.
Please email Dominic Studart, nursing lead for NT and SE GMSAs, with any thoughts or suggestions.
Has it been peer reviewed?
In addition to the working group, the resource has been shared with the wider London HEI community, and we will be seeking feedback locally and nationally following the first year of implementation.
If you would like to comment or provide feedback, please email Dominic Studart, nursing lead for NT and SE GMSAs.
Does the resource have any conflicts of interest?
This resource does not conflict with legislation or regulatory guidance. It has been developed by the NT and SE GMSAs: publicly funded bodies with no conflicts of interest.
I’m completely new to genomics. Is this resource for me?
Yes! This resource has been developed to support those who are new to genomics and are developing their curriculum. If you feel that you would like some further assistance with embedding genomics into your curriculum, please do get in touch with your local GMSA education and training lead. More details can be found on the relevant GMSA website, listed below:
I think I have experience that could be useful for this resource. Can I contribute?
Yes, the working group would be delighted to welcome other members.
To submit your interest, please email Dominic Studart, nursing lead for NT and SE GMSAs.
