Genetic Counselling Practice (PAED90021)

This subject provides an extension of the clinical practice subjects by providing breadth and depth through discussion and reflection of issues arising in the placements. Genetic knowledge attained in year 1 will be reviewed and built upon through group discussion. Critical reflective practice will be enhanced through discussion and consideration of issues that are presented by students, arising in their clinical practice. Students will be encouraged to develop self awareness, the ability to critically evaluate practice and to enhance practice and genetic knowledge skills through extensive reading. This subject will develop the skills of ethical reflective genetic counselling practice.

This subject has 6 modules which will form the basis for structured discussion and guided reading of theory and practice. Each module is for 4 weeks. Tutorials will be facilitated by genetic counsellors and may include clinical geneticists, social workers, people with genetic conditions and their families and other professionals from the community and within the health care system.

The modules are:
1) Communicating Risk
2) Breaking bad news
3) Managing challenging situations
4) Dealing with uncertainty
5) Facilitating decision making
6) Advanced genetic counselling skills

The mode of study will be through:
• Case discussion facilitated by a genetic counsellor
• Student journal club presentation of relevant articles
• Video role plays using an actor as the client, with feedback from practitioners
• Consideration of theoretical models with counselling and communication practice. Relevant community resources will also be considered