TY - JOUR
T1 - The Gen-Equip Project
T2 - evaluation and impact of genetics e-learning resources for primary care in six European languages
AU - Jackson, Leigh
AU - O'Connor, Anita
AU - Paneque, Milena
AU - Curtisova, Vaclava
AU - Lunt, Peter W
AU - Pourova, Radka Kremlíková
AU - Macek, Milan
AU - Stefansdottir, Vigdis
AU - Turchetti, Daniela
AU - Campos, Mariana
AU - Henneman, Lidewij
AU - Godino, Lea
AU - Skirton, Heather
AU - Cornel, Martina C
PY - 2019/3/1
Y1 - 2019/3/1
N2 - PURPOSE: Genetic advances mean patients at risk of genetic conditions can be helped through testing, clinical screening, and preventive treatment, but they must first be identified to benefit. Ensuring quality of genetic care for patients requires genetic expertise in all health services, including primary care. To address an educational shortfall, a series of e-learning resources was developed in six languages to equip primary care professionals with genetic skills relevant for practice. The purpose of the study was to evaluate these resources using Kirkpatrick's framework for educational outcomes.METHODS: Mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) were used over four phases of the study.RESULTS: A high level of satisfaction with the resources was reported. Knowledge and skills improved significantly after using the education material. Participants reported changes in confidence and practice behavior, including family history taking, seeking advice from specialists and referring patients. The resources helped users to learn how to explain genetics. Many visited the resources repeatedly and some used them to educate colleagues or students.CONCLUSION: Gen-Equip modules are effective in improving genetic knowledge, skills, and attitudes for primary care professionals. They provide both continuing professional development and just-in-time learning for a potentially large global audience at a practical level.
AB - PURPOSE: Genetic advances mean patients at risk of genetic conditions can be helped through testing, clinical screening, and preventive treatment, but they must first be identified to benefit. Ensuring quality of genetic care for patients requires genetic expertise in all health services, including primary care. To address an educational shortfall, a series of e-learning resources was developed in six languages to equip primary care professionals with genetic skills relevant for practice. The purpose of the study was to evaluate these resources using Kirkpatrick's framework for educational outcomes.METHODS: Mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) were used over four phases of the study.RESULTS: A high level of satisfaction with the resources was reported. Knowledge and skills improved significantly after using the education material. Participants reported changes in confidence and practice behavior, including family history taking, seeking advice from specialists and referring patients. The resources helped users to learn how to explain genetics. Many visited the resources repeatedly and some used them to educate colleagues or students.CONCLUSION: Gen-Equip modules are effective in improving genetic knowledge, skills, and attitudes for primary care professionals. They provide both continuing professional development and just-in-time learning for a potentially large global audience at a practical level.
KW - genetics
KW - mixed methods
KW - online education
KW - primary care
KW - professional education
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85050673759&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41436-018-0132-3
DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41436-018-0132-3
M3 - Article
C2 - 30050101
SN - 1098-3600
VL - 21
SP - 718
EP - 726
JO - Genetics in medicine
JF - Genetics in medicine
IS - 3
ER -