This site is intended for health professionals only


Consultation for genomics competencies that all nurses may require

Consultation for genomics competencies that all nurses may require

Health Education England (HEE) has opened consultation on a new framework for competencies expected to be required of nurses as genomics becomes embedded in routine care.

Nurses are now being invited by the Genomics Education Programme (GEP) to review and comment on the competencies, in a consultation that will run until 8 November.

This comes shortly after GeNotes, an online genomics tool, was extended for use by advanced nurse practitioners, practice pharmacists, GPs, and physician associates in primary care.

Genomics is the study of a person’s genetic material in order to achieve a diagnosis or inform treatment and management. Genomic testing is already being used in the NHS in the treatment of cancers and rare infectious diseases.

The proposed new framework defines the eight core competencies that that GEP expects all nurses will require as the use of genetic testing becomes more frequent. The core competencies can be built upon or incorporated into other frameworks for more specialist roles.

Professor Mark Radford, chief nurse for Health Education England, said: ‘Nurses will play an integral role in leading care in genomics – from clinical treatments and research through to supporting patients and their families undergoing genomic testing.

‘They will need the right knowledge, skills and behaviour to help them this effectively.

‘I’d like to encourage all nurses to take the time to contribute to this important consultation. As genomics becomes embedded into routine care its important your views are heard to help shape the future of genomic education in nursing.’

Nurses now have the opportunity to have a say on the competencies, which may impact all healthcare professionals, before the framework is finalised in early November.

See the Genomics Education Programme website for more information.

See how our symptom tool can help you make better sense of patient presentations
Click here to search a symptom