Training activity information
Details
Discuss with patients or other health professionals the benefits and limitations of private and/or direct to consumer genomic testing
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Current application of genomic screening for risk prediction in the NHS and the influence of private and direct to consumer testing on the NHS
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the key benefits and limitations of private and direct-to-consumer genomic testing that patients and health professionals need to be aware of? What is the impact of the benefits and limitations on patient healthcare, both for the patients and healthcare professionals?
- How can you effectively communicate the nuances of private/DTC testing, ensuring balanced information is provided? What are the different perspectives and concerns that patients and other health professionals might have regarding this type of testing?
- Discuss with your supervisor different scenarios where this discussion might arise. What resources or guidelines should you review beforehand regarding private/DTC testing?
- Consider potential challenges, such as addressing misinformation or managing patient expectations. How will you prepare for these conversations?
- How knowledgeable do you feel about private/DTC genomic testing? What specific aspects do you want to explore further during this training activity?
- How does private/DTC testing fit with your own experiences, beliefs or values? How do you manage this in the context of patient consultations or relationships with other healthcare professionals?
- Have you encountered any cases where private/DTC testing has been undertaken? What did you take from this case?
In action
- What benefits and limitations are you highlighting, and how are you tailoring your explanation to the specific audience (patient or health professional)?
- What decisions are you making about which aspects to emphasise?
- What feels natural in your explanation, and where are you consciously thinking about your word choice and approach?
- How is the patient or health professional responding to your explanation? Are they asking clarifying questions?
- What challenges are you encountering in addressing their understanding or potential misconceptions? What are you learning about their perspectives on these types of testing? How does this relate to your understanding of the appropriate application of genomic testing?
- Are there alternative ways to explain these benefits and limitations that might be clearer or more impactful? Are you considering different perspectives they might have? Do you need to access additional resources or support to address their queries effectively?
- Are you ensuring that your discussion remains within ethical and professional guidelines?
On action
- What were the main benefits and limitations you discussed with the patient or health professional? Summarise the key points you conveyed.
- What did you learn about the perspectives and understanding of patients or other health professionals regarding these types of testing?
- Were there any unexpected questions or concerns raised?
- How did your approach during the discussion influence their understanding?
- How does this experience relate to the broader considerations of genomic screening for risk prediction?
- What will you take from this experience regarding communicating about private and direct-to-consumer genomic testing?
- What areas of your explanation were particularly effective or challenging?
- How can you apply this learning to future discussions on this topic?
- What resources might be helpful to further develop your ability to explain these concepts clearly and address potential misconceptions?
- What actions will you take to enhance your knowledge in this area?
Beyond action
- Looking back at your discussion on private and direct-to-consumer genomic testing, how has your understanding of the nuances and ethical considerations surrounding these tests been shaped by subsequent learning and discussions?
- Have your conversations with patients or other professionals on this topic changed since this training activity?
- How does this experience compare with your understanding of the benefits and limitations of clinical genomic testing?
- Have you encountered any additional cases where private/DTC testing has taken place since reflecting on these discussions? How has your understanding or practice changed as a result?
- In what ways has this experience contributed to your broader counselling skills, particularly in addressing complex and potentially sensitive topics with patients or colleagues?
- Can you see connections between this training activity and your preparedness for discussing other evolving areas of genomics? How has this contributed to your understanding of advising on the application and use of genomic screening?
- Thinking about your future practice, how will the insights gained from this discussion continue to inform your approach to advising individuals about private and direct-to-consumer testing? What transferable skills, such as nuanced communication and addressing misconceptions, did this training activity help to develop, and how will you continue to refine these?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Compare the benefits and limitations of genomic screening for risk prediction and advise on their application/use in practice. |