Genetics Education for the Physical Therapy Profession

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Advances in our understanding of human genetics holds out the promise of significant diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in many fields of medicine, A number of basic questions and issues with respect to genetics and physical therapy practice and education need to he addressed. The purpose of this position paper is to highlight and explore some of those questions and issues, with the objective of advocating for increased education in relevant genetics-related topics and issues for both practicing physical therapists and students enrolled in physical therapist professional (entry-level) education programs. Position and Rationale. The position adopted in this paper is that increased education in relevant genetics-related topics and issues should be a priority for practicing physical therapists and students enrolled in physical therapist professional education programs. The rationale for this position is that in order to practice in the genomics era, health care clinicians should possess certain genetics-related competencies to more effectively manage and care for their patients. Some of the patient-related benefits that will result from an increased level of genetics education and awareness from within the physical therapy profession are the positive shaping of patients' attitudes towards genetic testing and counseling, the provision of accurate genetics information to patients, the generation of appropriate and timely referrals to genetics professionals, and effective advocacy on behalf of patients being discriminated against due to their genetic profiles. Recommendations. The implications of advances in genetics on physical therapist practice and education needs to be considered in a substantive manner. Academicians, clinicians, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) should initiate dialogue to decide on appropriate genetics competencies for the profession. Genetics education should be considered a priority in order for physical therapists to function as effective direct access practitioners and members of the health care team in the genomics era. Key Words: Human Genome Project, Genetics education and physical therapy, Genetics Core Competencies. INTRODUCTION Unprecedented growth in our understanding of human genetics and its role in disease, coupled with recent technological advances such as the advent of powerful gene sequencing and gene mapping techniques, are expected to yield significant diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in many fields of medicine.1-3 Because physical therapists are integral members of the health care team, physical therapist clinicians and educators alike need to consider the impact of genetics on contemporary clinical practice and education, both professional and beyond. In considering the implications of advances in human genetics on physical therapist practice and education, several basic questions need to be addressed. Should physical therapists in clinical practice concern themselves with a patient's genetic information? Are there minimum genetics competencies that clinicians should possess? Should physical therapists be educated in the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics? In short, should issues relating to clinical genetics remain solely within the domain of the medical geneticist, genetic counselor, and nurse, or do they also need to be considered by physical therapists? The answers to these questions are important because they will ultimately determine the level of genetics education required by members of the physical therapy profession. Leaders in the genetics community have questioned whether primary care physicians are prepared for the incorporation of genetics into mainstream medicine,4 a question that could also be asked of physical therapists. The purpose of this position paper is to highlight and explore some of the questions and issues relating to genetics and physical therapy practice and education, with the objective of advocating for increased education in relevant genetics-related topics and issues for both practicing physical therapists and students enrolled in physical therapist professional education programs. …