Evaluating a genomics short course for undergraduate health education students

Per Med. 2020 Jul 1;17(4):295-306. doi: 10.2217/pme-2019-0120. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Abstract

Background: There is a significant shortage of genomics training curricula targeting health education (HE) students. This study assessed the impact of an online theory-based genomics short course focusing on family health history (FHH) to undergraduate HE students. Materials & methods: Junior and senior HE students (n = 69) at a research-intensive university completed the course and took the pre- and post-course surveys. Results: Participants demonstrated positive improvements in their scores regarding FHH knowledge as well as attitudes, intention and confidence in adopting FHH-based genomics skills into future practice. They also showed satisfaction with the genomics course. Conclusion: Based on the initial success of the results, offering this genomics course to more HE students for further testing is recommended in the future.

Keywords: attitudes; curriculum; education; evaluation; family health history; genetics; genomics; health education; knowledge; undergraduate students.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / methods*
  • Female
  • Genomics / education*
  • Genomics / methods
  • Health Education / methods
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Program Evaluation / methods*
  • Students
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult