Genetic counselling in clinical practice MED5421
- Academic Session: 2023-24
- School: School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
- Credits: 30
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
Short Description
This course is designed in collaboration with the West of Scotland Genetics Service to provide students with in depth understanding of the practical skills required in genetic counselling. The course will facilitate development of appropriate critical understanding, reflective practice and skills in relation to genetic counselling for providing accurate complex genetic information for patients and their families.
Timetable
8 x 3h sessions, Wednesdays
Approximately 30 hours of clinics, schedule depends on timing of appropriate clinics
Requirements of Entry
None
Assessment
Two case-scenario-based critical reviews, 1,200 (35%) and 2,000 (65%) words respectively, which consider the ethical, counselling and scientific issues arising in genetic counselling practice.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
The aims of this course are to allow students to:
■ acquire wide knowledge base to practise as a genetic counsellor to support patients and families with genetic conditions
■ provide critical understanding of relevant counselling theories underpinning genetic counselling practice
■ develop range of skills to work as a genetic counsellor in a multi-disciplinary team with peers, senior colleagues and specialists
■ develop critical awareness of evidence based practice and current issues which influence clinical practice
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ demonstrate critical understanding of appropriate counselling theory including non-directive counselling to support individuals and families with genetic conditions
■ develop skills for reflective practice to better comprehend and address complex issues and conflicting situations which can arise in genetic counselling practice
■ demonstrate critical understanding and critical awareness of the impact of genomic health for the individual, families and society, including the complexity of interpreting results of whole genome sequencing
■ critically evaluate relevant literature to inform genetic counselling practice
■ plan, implement and evaluate with reference to current literature, case presentations and talks to inform colleagues, patients and the public on genetic counselling practice
Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits
Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.