Master in Genetic Consultancy

Information relating to the new edition of the programme will be updated soon.

Genetics is clearly defined as a medical speciality, due to both the volume of patients and family members that require specialist attention and the training required of professionals involved in this field. With regards healthcare, this speciality includes genetic advice for family planning, medical attention throughout the development period of the embryo and foetus, medical attention for children and adults with hereditary disorders, epidemiological aspects aimed at reducing the rate of congenital defects and hereditary disorders, and the prevention of multifactorial disorders.

The breakthroughs made in recent years in molecular technology applicable to the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders means that the field of Genetics has seen huge advances compared to other medical specialities. Instruments currently exist for diagnosing more than 2000 genetic disorders by means of a variety of cytogenetic and molecular methods, something which implies an important shift in the possibilities for treating and monitoring patients as well as growing responsibilities on the part of health professionals to convey this information, based partly on prescribing and interpreting genetic tests. However, in spite of the clear demand for specialised treatment, there has been no planning for the development of clinical genetics services in Spain, nor has the role of Genetic Minister or Advisor been established as has been done in other countries.

Genetic Counsellors have a key role to play in healthcare. Their training must include in-depth theoretical knowledge of Medical Genetics as well as multidisciplinary professional training in order to gather and pass on information to patients and their families, and a thorough knowledge of the psychosocial, educational, affective, biological and medical aspects of genetic disorders and the specific problems of patients and family members that suffer or are at risk of suffering from them.

In many European countries, and for many years in the UK, Holland and the United States, the training and professional role of Genetic Counsellors has been regulated within the comprehensive healthcare offered to patients who suffer or are at risk of suffering from a genetic disorder. They carry out their work as part of Medical Genetics teams lead by medical professionals. The characteristics of these programmes, as well as the accreditation requirements, are described in detail on the American Board of Genetic Counseling website (http://www.abgc.net/genetics/abgc/abgcmenu.shtml).

Genetic Counsellors must receive theoretical and practical training in order to deal with the following aspects professionally:

• obtaining and analysing family, reproductive and psychomotor development histories and general medical records;
• determining the mode of inheritance and risk of occurrence and reoccurrence of genetic disorders and congenital anomalies;
• being aware of the population risks of the most prevalent genetic disorders in a certain area, as well as understanding and applying the screening programmes available;
• analysing and communicating the etiology, natural history, diagnosis and management of these disorders;
• analysing and explaining the indications and results of genetic tests;
• carrying out psychosocial assessments of patients in order to identify any emotional, educational, cultural or social problems that may be caused by the disorder;
• assessing the response of the patient and their family to being informed of their genetic disorder and the risks involved;
• providing personalised consultation designed around the patient and their circumstances and achieving a good level of adhesion to genetic tests, medical attention and treatment;
• encouraging patients to take informed decisions regarding undergoing tests, reproduction, and the selection of treatment, and help to inform family members at risk of developing or passing on the disorder;
• identifying, having knowledge of and informing patients about community resources that give medical, financial and psychosocial assistance, as well as groups that defend patients' rights and provide emotional support;
• finding or writing valid medical and genetic information to offer to patients, their families and other health professionals.
  

The Master in Genetic Consultancy is aimed at graduates of Science degrees (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutics, Medicine and Psychology) and Nursing diplomas (with additional professional experience). There will be less than 20 participants on the course due to the training capacity of the medical centres, which is limited by the large amount of practical training involved and the need for direct patient contact under supervision.