Genetic Awareness Training
No Web Address Listed
Grantee Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University
MCH Training Program: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND)
Product Category: Training Materials and Strategies
Product Contact(s):
JoAnn Bodurtha
P.O. Box 980405, 1000 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298
(804) 828-6772
Email: bodurtha@vcu.edu
Product Description
The Virginia LEND Program in collaboration with Instructional Technology in the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University have developed a web-based learning module related to genetic awareness. Recent research and advances in genetics, such as the Human Genome Project, have increased knowledge of the role genetics plays in genetic syndromes associated with a variety of disabilities, as well as the role of genetics in common diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer disease. In order to provide children, adults and families with information about their health it is important for all health care providers to have an appreciation for the role of genetics in health and disease, to have knowledge of credible resources related to genetics, and to know when to make a referral to a geneticist or genetic counselor. The purpose of this module is to increase genetic awareness of health care professionals from a variety of disciplines, provide educational resources and give examples of cases where genetics referrals can make a difference. The module is interactive with three cases in which the learner reaches different outcomes based on their decision path. It has been field tested and evaluated by a variety of health care providers and graduate students. It may be integrated as part of a lecture or course, given as a learning activity, or provided as a resource. The module may be used for educational purposes provided proper credit is given to the authors and funding source. Support for the project is provided through a grant from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities with funding from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration (Grant # AUCDGC04-11).