Clinical Practice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

Three (3) placements throughout the year at a Victorian Clinical Genetics Service.

A minimum total of 500 hrs including non-contact time.

Successful completion of Year 1 subjects in the Master of Genetic Counselling

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The placement will be in three clinical genetics settings: adult, paediatric and prenatal. This is the chance to intergrate theory into practice with supervision. The skills to be achieved reflect the breadth and scope of genetic counselling practice, including the written requirements for professional certification as a genetic counsellor. Students will learn through observation and supervised practice with an expectation of increasing practice over the three clinical placements, so that the student will have responsibility for a small client load. Regular supervision sessions and tutorials will encourage consideration of theory and models of counselling and also reflection on the issues and impact on the student.

Selected students may be able to complete part of the clinical placement interstate or overseas at appropriate clinical genetics settings.

The subject is designed to enable students to:

• Continue to identify and reflect on the role of the genetic counsellor within a multi-disciplinary team;
• Integrate theory of counselling into the practice of genetic counselling through observation, practice and relevant reading of the literature;
• Engage in the process of supervision as a means to developing self awareness through discussion and critical reflection of ethics in practice issues;
• Critically reflect on and evaluate the scope of practice of genetic counselling;
• Consider and select an appropriate research project arising from their clinical practice in discussion with the coordinator of research and to wrok towards completion of a research project.

Assessment on a 5-point scale by supervisor together with student assessment, at the end of each placement.

Up to 5 case reports and 50 logbook entries throughout the year (due end of year: 100%)

A reading pack of selected reading texts will be supplied to the student. Relevant references within the tutorials.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing the subject students should be able to:

• Develop the skills to engage and develop rapport in a genetic counselling interview;
• Critically evaluate their use of theory, to establish a model(s) of effective counselling;
• Understand the processes of genetic counselling and the repertoire of skills that are used within an interview;
• Establish a strong ethical base of practice;
• Identify and analyse theories of counselling that can be integrated into clinical interviews and practice;
• Enhance skills through reading widely in the relevant literature;
• Understand the principles of writing a case study to satisfy the criteria for certification of the Board of Censors in Genetic Counselling and write five case studies based on clinical contact during the clinical placement;
• Complete a logbook of 50 short cases documenting clinical contact with individuals and families whho come for genetic counselling. The logbook will meet the requirements for the Board of Censors in Genetic Counselling;
• Consider the factors in designing and completing a minor research project - including ethical issues, literature review, research question/hypothesis, design and methodology.