Study information

Counselling Skills for Genomics

Module titleCounselling Skills for Genomics
Module codeHPDM045
Academic year2025/6
Credits15
Module staff

Selina Goodman (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

0

8

0

Number students taking module (anticipated)

20

Module description

This is an introduction to counselling skills for genomics. Through a blend of lectures and practical work you will develop basic counselling skills and experience applying them to genomic scenarios. We do this with an appreciation of the social landscape around genomic medicine and with the patient voice and equality and diversity at the centre of our practice. In addition to counselling skills we will cover constructing a family tree, understanding loss, consenting for tests and understanding and communicating results. This is a skills-based module and is only offered through face-to-face teaching on campus.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to contribute the care of patients whose health will be influenced by genomic investigations.   

 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Understand the personal, familial and ethical implications of genomic medicine.
  • 2. Develop counselling and communication skills that can support patients undergoing genomic assessment.
  • 3. Develop relevant clinical skills, including taking a family history (pedigree drawing) and supporting informed consent.
  • 4. Appreciate the uncertainties of genomic medicine and explore tools to help patients navigate this.
  • 5. Develop reflective practice skills that enable safe, sustainable and adaptable practice.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

    ILO: Personal and key skills

    On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

      Syllabus plan

      Whilst the module's precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

      • Core techniques for effective counselling and communication

      • Psychosocial impact of genomic testing and results for patients

      • Obtaining consent and what it means in relation to genetic and genomic sampling, testing and data storage

      • Conveying information that may be interpreted by patients as good or bad news

      Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

      Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
      241260

      Details of learning activities and teaching methods

      CategoryHours of study timeDescription
      Scheduled learning and teaching activities12Lectures
      Scheduled learning and teaching activities12Workshops
      Guided independent study7Preparation for scheduled learning and teaching activities
      Guided independent study82Online resources and independent guided literature research
      Guided independent study7Interim learning and reflection between FTF dates
      Guided independent study20Preparation for the OSGE (Objective Structured Genomic Examination)
      Guided independent study10Writing essay

      Formative assessment

      Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
      Participation in practical skills triadsDaily on FTF contact days1-5Verbal and written

      Summative assessment (% of credit)

      CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
      30070

      Details of summative assessment

      Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
      OSGE (Objective Structured Genomic Examination). With social distancing if necessary702 hours1-5Written
      Essay301,000 words1-5Verbal and written

      Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

      Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
      OSGE (Objective Structured Genomic Examination) (70%)OSGE (Objective Structured Genomic Examination) (2 hours)1-5Typically within six weeks of the result
      Essay (30%)Essay (1000 words)1-5Typically within six weeks of the result

      Re-assessment notes

      In the event of you failing a module, you will be given a chance to resubmit the failed components that led to the overall module failure. This will normally be within six weeks of the overall module result being known, except in the case of written and/or practical examinations which may take longer to reschedule. The module result will then be capped at 50.

      Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

      • Mearns, D., Thorne, B. and McLeod, J. (2013). Person-centred counselling in action. London: SAGE

       For further interest:  

      • Stewart, I. and Joines, V. (2012). TA today: a new Introduction to Transactional Analysis. Melton Mowbray: Lifespace

      • Worden, J. (2010). Grief counselling and grief therapy. London: Routledge

      ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6147

       

      Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

      None

      Indicative learning resources - Other resources

      None

      Key words search

      Counselling, Communication, Informed Consent, Genomics, Psychosocial

      Credit value15
      Module ECTS

      7.5

      Module pre-requisites

      HPDM044 – Ethical Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics

      Module co-requisites

      None

      NQF level (module)

      7

      Available as distance learning?

      No

      Origin date

      01/06/2016

      Last revision date

      02/04/2025