title: Engaging nurses in genetics: the strategic approach of the NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre.
abstract: The UK government announced the establishment of an NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre in its Genetics White Paper. The Centre aims to lead and coordinate developments to enhance genetics literacy of health professionals. The nursing program takes a strategic approach based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior, using the UK nursing genetics competences as the platform for development. The program team uses innovative approaches to raise awareness of the relevance of genetics, working collaboratively with policy stakeholders, as key agents of change in promoting competence. Providing practical help in preparing learning and teaching resources lends further encouragement. Evaluation of the program is dependent on gathering baseline data, and the program has been informed by an education needs analysis. The challenges faced are substantial and necessitate international collaboration where expertise and resources can be shared to produce a global system of influence to facilitate the engagement of non-genetic nurses.
authors.affiliation: NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre, Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, University of Glamorgan, Glyntaf Campus, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, UK. mkirk@glam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Maggie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tonkin
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004506:Education, Nursing; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D020380:Needs Assessment; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom