Overview

The concept of "new" genetics (or genomics, as it is now frequently referred to) recognizes that genetic disease is common and results from altered gene function via the interaction of multiple genes and the environmental components (e.g., cardiovascular disease and cancer). Integration of the new genetics is necessary to effectively apply the central science of medicine and provide patients with the care they expect. Although genetics is considered a central science of health care, few health professionals are able to integrate this knowledge into their practice. The public is reported to have more awareness of the Human Genome Project (HGP) than health professionals (62% versus 50%). The Family as Context in Clinical Genetics Project (FCCGP), an interdisciplinary an project with two schools of nursing (University of Illinois at Chicago and The Johns Hopkins University) and two of medicine (University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Chicago), is an innovative Web-based curriculum.

• Features gene function as central to clinical knowledge
• Links individual's health status to genetics, family, and environmental factors (economic, educational, access to care, social, cultural, physical, health care policy, etc.)
• Prepares learners to integrate knowledge of genetics with family, environment, behavioral, psychosocial, ethical, and legal knowledge
• Assesses the learner's knowledge, skills, and attitudes based upon the National Coalition of Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) core competencies
• Aids in the integration of genetic advances into clinical care for patients, families and communities