Implementing Genetics in Clinical Practice

National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) Guidelines

The National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) endorsed these core competencies on 14 February 2000. NCHPEG is an interdisciplinary group comprising leaders from approximately 120 diverse health professional organizations, consumer and voluntary groups, government agencies, private industries, managed-care organizations, and genetics professional societies. NCHPEG is a national effort to promote health-professional education and access to information about advances in human genetics, to improve the nation's health.

If you have questions about this document or would like information about NCHPEG, please contact:

Joseph D. McInerney, Director 2360 W. Joppa Road, Suite 320 Lutherville, MD 21093 Phone: (410) 583-0600 Fax: (410) 583-0520 jdmcinerney@nchpeg.org

NCHPEG

PURPOSE

The impetus for developing the ideal competencies related to genetics was to encourage health care providers to integrate genetics knowledge, skills, and attitudes into routine health care to provide effective care to individuals and families.

	Health Care Professionals

The Core Competency and Curriculum Working Group of NCHPEG recommends that all health professionals possess the core competencies in genetics, as identified in this report, to enable them to integrate genetics effectively and responsibly into their current practice. Competency in these areas represents the minimum knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for health professionals from all disciplines (medicine, nursing, allied health, public health, dentistry, psychology, social work, etc.) to provide patient care that involves awareness of genetic issues and concerns.

Each health care professional should at a minimum be able to:

• Appreciate the limitations of his or her genetic expertise.
• Understand the social and psychological implications of genetic services.
• Know how and when to make a referral to a genetics professional.

BACKGROUND

During the last decade, the evolution of scientific discoveries from the study of genetics has provided information with potential for tremendous influence on health care. Understanding the role genetics plays in health and disease provides the means to integrate such information into diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of many common diseases and to improve the health of society.

Genetic Discoveries

Genetic discoveries are already making their way into mainstream health care. Patients are beginning to ask providers about genetic services. Primary-care professionals face economic, institutional and professional opportunities and challenges in managing persons at risk for inherited conditions. As outlined by the Institute of Medicine Report on the Future of Public Health (IOM, 1988), public health agencies will have an increasing role in assessing the health needs of populations, working with the private sector in ensuring the quality of genetic tests and services, and evaluating the impact of interventions on medical, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes.

Ultimately, health care providers, regardless of specialty area, role, or practice setting, will face questions about implications of genetics for their patients. The fast pace of genetic advances and the paucity of professional training in genetics leave many providers without up-to-date answers for their patients.