Javno zdravstvena izobraževalna mreža na področju genomike (Slovene)

The Human Genome Project and its application has been already a invaluable part of medical practice, its application increasing every day. Our own experience together with the experience of different groups within Europe and world-wide undoubtedly illustrates the problem of awareness, education and knowledge dissemination among medical health providers and among the wider audience of patients and patients’ organizations. Therefore we propose the hypothesis that, only with increased knowledge in all critical levels of public health care systems (beginning with medical professionals and spreading to the general public), we can better apply genomic discoveries to health improvement and quality of life in the Slovene population Thus, our aims are as follows: - to review the present state of awareness and knowledge of human genomics, at all levels in the public health care and educational systems - to recognize the need for genomic knowledge as identified by health care practitioners and educators - to develop a national strategy in human genomics training, and to set up efficient educational possibilities which reach all areas of public health - establishing an active role in the public health genomic system in Europe, in collaboration with PHGEN. We expect to collect the crucial data about current awareness on genomic medicine and needs on education in the Slovene public health system. This will enable us to design national strategy in genomic education and active participation to the European network PHGEN. The national strategy of education in human genomics would improve not only the knowledge of medical professionals, but also the dissemination of knowledge among potential consumers. This will also improve the implementation of new methodological genetic tools in diagnosis and prevention of human inherited diseases in Slovenia, which means better health and improved quality of life.

Researches within the project contribute to the translation of basic genomic results into clinical practice. Public health genomics includes a broad spectrum of medical and social disciplines - we identified several areas for future research.

Researches will contribute to the better information of professional and laic public in the field of genomic and following to the more efficiency use of genomic medicine in Slovenia. The national strategy of education in human genomics would improve not only the knowledge of medical professionals, but also the dissemination of knowledge among potential consumers. This will also improve the implementation of new methodological genetic tools in diagnosis and prevention of human inherited diseases in Slovenia, which means better health and improved quality of life.