The HSE National Genetics and Genomics Office (NGGO) in partnership with the RCSI and Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH) have launched a series of online education modules entitled ”Fundamentals of Genetic Testing” for all healthcare professionals interested in improving their understanding of genetic and genomic healthcare.
Our genes hold powerful information that can be used to diagnose conditions, guide more effective treatments, predict our risk for disease and collectively help improve patient outcomes and overall population health and wellbeing.
Genomic medicine harnesses this power and is enabling a paradigm shift from a disease-oriented ‘one-size-fits-all’ healthcare approach to one that is more personalised, predictive, preventative, data-driven, and cost-effective.
To date, Ireland has made some progress in developing its genetic and genomic services, with examples of excellence evident throughout the country. However, to fully realise the benefits of genetics and genomics, there is an urgent need to mainstream services so that they can become an integral part of our routine care delivery. The new National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland sets out steps to achieve this. This self-paced and CPD accredited course is an important first step in mainstreaming genetics and genomics into the Irish Health Service and in improving genetic and genomic literacy among health professionals.
This NGGO/RCSI/ MMUH education series is primarily focused towards improving the basic understanding of genomics within the clinical community and the upskilling of non-(genetic) specialist healthcare professionals around the practice of genetic testing. It is open to all healthcare professionals who may have an interest in this area now or in the future. This includes Doctors, Nurses, Medical Scientists, Pharmacists, Researchers.
