Pharmacist education in the era of genomic medicine.

Pharmacists are increasingly expected to incorporate an understanding of the genomic contributions to medication management in their daily practice,and a general consensus exists that many pharmacists are not adequately prepared to effectively make use of genomic information. In November 2011, the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health convened a meeting to discuss the status of genomics education for pharmacists. A variety of pharmacist organizations and other stakeholder groups attended the 2-day event and explored the current status of pharmacist genomic education, barriers and facilitators to enhanced education, and important next steps to ensure that pharmacists are prepared for the coming decades.

Effects of online genetics education on physician assistant interviewing skills.

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of an Internet-based educational program on clinically relevant communication behaviors.

Methods: A randomized trial enrolled 50 physician assistants (PAs); 40 PAs completed the trial (18 in the intervention group and 22 in the control group). Participants conducted simulated visits that were coded for completeness of family history, referral for genetic services, and overall interviewing style using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS).

Establishment of the genetic/genomic competency center for education.

Purpose: Develop a trans-disciplinary repository of genomics education resources using a Web-based learning management system. The repository maps and organizes genetic-genomic information and materials relevant to educators by healthcare discipline-specific competencies and performance indicators.

Methods: An interdisciplinary project team was established to guide toolkit repository building and usability testing.