Human Genome Education Model Program

This project is a multi-step cooperative educational effort to target both consumers and multidisciplinary health professionals for education on the Human Genome Project and its ethical, legal, and social implications. The current attitudes and knowledge of consumers and non-genetic health professionals, two groups ill informed about the Human Genome Project and its implications, will be assessed. These findings will be used to develop a Human Genome Educational Model (HuGEM) for these groups. Then, 160 consumers and 160 multidisciplinary health professional leaders in two U.S. regions will be educated as well as trained to educate another 1200 consumers through regional support groups. Finally, a manual on the HGEM will be developed and distributed to 500 consumer groups, genetic networks, and health professionals. A National Advisory Committee will provide continuing input into the planning process of each phase. Involving local, regional, and national efforts, the project will include collaboration among the investigators, consumer groups, regional genetic networks, and University Affiliated Programs.