Genetics knowledge of advanced midwifery learners : educators' perceptions

Abstract

Healthcare professionals require adequate knowledge of genetics to be able to assess, diagnose, manage and prevent in good time genetic-related diseases. Healthcare professionals empowered in this field are able to differentiate at an early stage between genetic and genomic components of diseases. Advanced midwifery learners are trained to provide specialist holistic care that includes genetics upon course completion. Their genetic knowledge is crucial for them to provide genetic services in clinical- and in primary health care (PHC) settings. This study explores perceptions of advanced midwifery educators regarding genetics knowledge of their learners. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was employed. A total of 19 participants took part in this study. Data were collected through focus group discussions, individual face-to-face and telephone interviews. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Genetic knowledge emerged as a major theme under which genetic concepts, genetic history taking, common genetic disorders, genetic counselling, identification and management of genetic disorders were identified as sub-themes. At present, genetics education is addressed at the discretion of the individual advanced midwifery educators during training. This random kind of teaching is attributed to the lack of a curriculum framework that standardises genetics education at nursing education institutions (NEIs) in South Africa. The importance of genetics education is underrated in advanced midwifery courses, contributing to learners lacking adequate knowledge of genetics. Advanced midwifery learners need a sufficient knowledge of genetics to provide holistic care in clinical and PHC settings upon course completion.