Genomics
What is genomics?
Unlike genetics, which primarily focuses on our genes (just 2% of our DNA), genomics is the study of genome: the genes and all the DNA in between. This genomic information can help to diagnose a condition, determine the chance of developing a condition in later life, or even inform the correct type of treatment.
There is still a lot we don’t know about the genome, but new technology and the NHS Genomic Medicine Service is bringing about even more insights and understanding to improve patient outcomes.
By becoming a tool in routine healthcare, genomics is likely to be encountered by a variety of healthcare professionals outside of specialist services and, as such, all nurses will need to have a working understanding of what this means for their practice and implications for patients. How much knowledge is needed will depend on roles, clinical duties and the area of specialism.
Genomics Education Programme: About us
Health Education England’s Genomics Education Programme (GEP) was founded to deliver the learning and development necessary to enable current and future NHS workforce to harness the power of genomic medicine for patient benefit. Educating a diverse, 1.5 million-strong workforce requires a flexible, dynamic approach, drawing on best practice across healthcare, education and digital technology. The GEP has developed a range of educational resources for nurses from films, online courses, to more formal academic and training programs including the Master’s in Genomic Medicine, Post graduate qualifications and CPD modules.
Further resources
- RCN. Genomics subject guide
- Department of Health and Social Care (2020) Genome UK: the future of healthcare. Strategy setting out the vision to extend the UK’s leadership in genomic healthcare and research.
- Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, and Office for Life Sciences (2021) Genome UK: 2021 to 2022 implementation plan
- Gemma Mitchell (2020) Bid to embed genomics into mainstream nursing practice, Nursing Times, 4 August 2020
- Future Learn. Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health. A free 3 week course that explores the application of this technology in healthcare and the benefit it beings to patients
- Health Education England (HEE). Nursing educator’s toolkit. Case studies to support the delivery of genomics education to pre-registration nurses
- HEE. Nursing Educator's toolkit. This toolkit has been endorsed by the RCN.
- HEE. Genomics education programme
- HEE. Genomics in nursing
- HEE. What is genomics?
- HEE. Genomics in health care
- HEE. The genomics game
- HEE. The genomics conversation
- HEE. Genomics in midwifery animation
- HEE. Genomics and counselling skills for nurses
- M. Kirk, et al. (2014) An iterative consensus-building approach to revising a genetics/genomics competency framework for nurse education in the UK, J Adv Nurs, 2014 Feb;70(2):405-20
- NHS England (2020) Genomic Medicine Service Alliances and role of nurses and midwives within the new structure. Update for Chief Nurses and Heads of Midwifery
- NHS England (2020) Sir Mike Richard's Independent Review of Diagnostic Services for NHS England
Genomics and nursing
How genomics is changing nursing- Even if it hasn’t impacted on your work yet, every branch of nursing will be affected by advances in knowledge about genomics and the human genome.
Related to genomics
Page last updated - 20/10/2022
