Abstract

CABRERA, E.; YAGUE, C.; GALLART, A.  and  ZABALEGUI, A.. Public Health and Genetics: new challengues for nursing professionals. Index Enferm [online]. 2005, vol.14, n.50, pp.43-46. ISSN 1699-5988.

The Human Genoma Project (GHP) that started in 1990 is bringing forward relevant knowledge about the human genetic map. In order to be on a par with the recent scientific advances the health professionals should have the appropriate genetic training in order to provide a comprehensive health care. In the United States, some Universities have included the subject of Genetics in the Nursing curriculum as part of the essential program in the educational training of the health professionals. By doing so, it allows the nursing role to have its own identity as Genetic Counsellor. In Europe, the United Kingdom is the country that considers in a more realistic and updated way the need of an educational training in genetic counselling for their health experts and their health policies are being orientated to cover these needs. In Spain, however, this educational training is not enough. The reforms of the new contents of the nursing studies carried out in the European convergence (Bologna 2010) should allow to incorporate genetics studies in order to prepare primary care nurses to address this issues in an effective way. As experts in comprehensive health care they should be able to take care of the individuals and their families in prevention.