Oral

The past decade has brought us many advances in genetics and biotechnology. Further, the completion of the Human Genome Project has greatly increased advances in research on genomics. Health educators now have the responsibility of interpreting complex genomics information for their clients and conducting genomics-related education programs for lay communities. Given that past studies indicated that health educators possess insufficient genomic knowledge, genomic education for this particular group is needed. To ensure genomics education that is tailored to health educators' needs, this session will describe the various education and training needs for health educators. Beyond the needs to health educators the field of public health genetics (PHG) is struggling to keep up with the growing need to educate families and healthcare professionals on applying these discoveries for advancing public health. Results from a multi-state survey will be descibed including a discussion of leadership and resources. Lastly, at the clinical level, an understanding of the most effective ways to educate different audiences and determining appropriate outcomes and measures is essential to the successful incorporation of genetic medicine into clinical practice. A multi-modal evaluation to assess patient, provider, and process outcomes for the “Pregnancy and Health Profile, will be discussed.

Session Objectives: 1 - Describe the training needs of health educators in genomics 2 - Discuss state responses to the expanding field of public health genetics. 3 - Describe a new tool for clinical practice, Pregnancy and Health Profile.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)