Genetic Counselors as Educators on Human Genome Issues

This project will utilize the expertise of genetic counselors in developing, implementing and evaluating education programs for health professionals which focus on the clinical applications of human genome research. After the development of the curriculum and communication materials, the courses will be piloted for a group of local health professionals. Following evaluation and revision, a 'train the trainer' model will be used whereby selected genetic counselors will be trained to conduct courses in their area using the developed curriculum and communication materials as well as local resources to ensure a referral network. These trained genetic counselors will then be asked to train other genetic counselors to conduct courses for health professionals in their catchment areas. In addition, research on needs, attitudes, perceptions and knowledge of human genome/genetic counseling and testing issues will be conducted.