Implementing Genomics in a Direct-to-Consumer World: Opportunities for Education and Communication

Improving the public’s health requires getting critical information and education to the people who need it most. If you are developing education, how do you know if your materials meet your audience’s needs and will make an impact?

Successfully translating evidence-based guidelines into clinical practice requires a prepared workforce and informed public. Delivering effective education to the audience is often challenged by competing priorities, lack of awareness about the importance of the issue, and limited time. Despite enthusiasm to use genetic and genomic testing among a growing number of clinicians and patients, there are significant gaps in the knowledge and skills necessary to assess risk and communicate about the utility, risks, and limitations of genetic and genomic testing. Compounding this problem is lack of evidence about the effectiveness of existing genetic education materials.

Presenters will discuss

• How to use evidence-based approaches to design and disseminate adult education
• How these approaches can be effective in achieving outcomes and reaching learners
• How the CDC experience in developing and disseminating the Bring Your Brave campaign can inform future health education campaigns