Genetics For The Health Sciences

Based on their extensive experience of clinical work, the authors emphasize the practical issues related to the healthcare of individuals and families. Genetics for the Health Sciencestakes an holistic approach, from preconception to adulthood, and addresses the false notion that clinical genetics is of relevance only to those who are planning a family. The book enables nurses, midwives, genetic counselors and doctors to apply the general principles of genetics in their routine clinical practice. As well as discussing the basic principles, Genetics for the Health Sciencesalso describes the latest technologies and shows how these can be applied to clinical practice. This is an essential text which helps all those in clinical healthcare understand the genetics they need in their professional roles. It is also an ideal coursebook for students in the healthcare professions seeking an understanding of core genetic principles and how these are applied in practice. Reviews: ''The text is a compact, concise presentation of the basic concepts in genetics science and the impact of genetics across the lifespan. The organization of the text increases its usefulness to clinicians as each specialty area could easily locate the information most pertinent to their work...The text is well illustrated throughout, again providing summarized information that is easily accessed. An especially helpful feature of this text is the presence of multiple case studies in each chapter, making this text particularly useful for teaching. I think faculty teaching students in advanced practice nursing programs and allied health courses would find this text a succinct addition to their course. However, I could also see this text being useful in RN preparation curriculum. It could easily be a text that would carry over for several specialty areas and provide additional material specific to genetics in each area. Genetics for Health Sciences: A Handbook for Clinical Healthcare is a welcome addition to the rather sparse choices available for presenting genetics content in clinical practice curriculum. Rebekah Hamilton, ISONG, June 2010 ''Tremendous progress in recent years has shaped the field of medical genetics, which continues to expand to involve almost every aspect of human health. Hence, it is necessary for every healthcare professional to acquire a basic understanding of this science. This is clearly the objective of this well-edited and structured book by Skirton and Patch in its second updated edition. The authors'' considerable experience in genetics, through direct clinical practice in addition to organisational and academic roles, can be appreciated in the practical aspect of their writing. The book starts with useful definitions and alerts the reader to the wide applicability of genetics through clinical cases, raising questions that are answered and discussed when relevant in later chapters. Important aspects of genetic counselling, from basic skills such as risk estimation using family trees to more complex ones related to effective ethical communication with the clients in the light of their needs and the different models of counselling, are then discussed in two chapters. However, given their intrinsic function in medical genetics, these issues are also efficiently tackled in the clinical cases outlined in each chapter. The authors then describe important scientific concepts and techniques that are necessary for a good clinical understanding of genetics. Although this section may seem short, the additional resources provided at the end are very useful. Likewise, for all topics covered in the book, the updated links provided serve as a handy catalogue for the health professional seeking extra information. Next, the concepts and techniques described in the first part of the book are applied directly to common genetic conditions and issues faced by different age groups, from prenatal care to older adulthood in separate chapters. This organisation puts into perspective the importance of genetics in different medical specialities and settings. This book, with its concise yet comprehensive explanation of a complex rapidly growing field, should prove to be a valuable resource for a diverse audience of health professionals, including midwives, nurses and physicians, who confront genetic issues during their daily practice without being specialists in medical genetics.'' Nadine Taleb, Journal of Medical Genetics ''When first asked to write this book review I thought to myself how it would be important to give a rounded report on both the book''s strengths and weaknesses. After reading the book, however, I realised that it is difficult to find weaknesses. The authors, Heather Skirton and Christine Patch, between them have over 30 years of experience in clinical genetics. Their experience of explaining genetics in their professional roles shines through in the way they have written the book. They make complex genetic principles interesting and understandable. The book does not baffle or patronise. The book is easily navigated. It is broken down into clear chapters that are ordered in a pleasingly logical way. The first chapter ''sets the scene'' by introducing the reader to important concepts related to genetic health care including issues such as ethical practice, the different forms of genetic testing and the impact of genetic conditions on families. The next chapters then discuss the family tree, counselling issues, genetic science and public health genetics. The remaining chapters then explore the core topics relating to particular life stages from preconception to older adulthood. It engages the reader from the start when it introduces seven ''core'' families that reappear throughout the book to highlight a number of key issues. The text is peppered with clear illustrations, useful step by step guides, practical checklists, and test yourself sections making the book lively and dynamic. The test yourself sections make the book student friendly and would also make good teaching aids to lecturers and tutors. At the start of the book there is a list of helpful websites and at the end of each chapter there is a list of resources for those who wish to extend their knowledge. One of the main strengths of this book is its refreshingly practical approach. All too often books can be written in a way in which it is difficult for the reader to transfer the knowledge that they have gained into their day-to-day practice. The introduction states that ''the aim of this book is to enable those in healthcare to update their knowledge on topics related to genetics and genomics that have an impact in their daily work and apply it usefully in patient care''. Given the fact that genetics has increasingly become a core component in a number of specialties, one would think that meeting this aim for all would be a tall order. This book however eloquently does so using case examples and key practice points boxes throughout to demonstrate the clinical application of the topic under discussion. Another of the book''s main strengths is the way in which it promotes individualised care by enabling the reader to consider the impact of genetic conditions from the patients'' point of view. Genetics for the Health Sciencesbrings genetics into common healthcare settings. It is highly recommended as an essential text for health care professionals in roles across all specialties. It is also recommended to students, lecturers, social scientists; to anyone who has an interest in genetics and wishes to extend their knowledge. It is a joy to read and could be read from cover to cover.'' Helen Thistlewood, Medical Genetics ''Genetics is at the forefront of medicine and nurses are expected to have a basic understanding of the subject. This handbook is well written and the authors do a good job of making this complex topic understandable. The book lists prenatal, childhood and adult genetic conditions that may involve testing and counselling. Genetic services, types of genetic testing and the impact of genetic conditions on families are discussed in depth, and case studies highlight the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families. Guidelines for drawing family trees and practical examples of risk assessment are well explained. The perspective of the patient regarding risk and lay knowledge is also considered... All departments should have a copy of this book on their shelves.'' Audrey Ardern-Jones, Nursing Standard

Genetics, Health Care and Public Policy is an introduction to the new discipline of public health genetics. It brings together the insights of genetic and molecular science as a means of protecting and improving the health of the population. Its scope is wide and requires an understanding of genetics, epidemiology, public health and the principles of ethics, law and the social sciences. This book sets out the basic principles of public health genetics for a wide audience from those providing health care to those involved in establishing policy. The emphasis throughout the text is on providing an accessible introduction to the field. The content moves from the basic concepts, including definitions and history, through chapters on genetics, genetic technology, epidemiology, genetics in medicine, genetics in health services, ethical, legal and social implications, to the implications for health policy. It provides one-stop, introductory coverage of this rapidly developing and multidisciplinary field.

Medical Genetics is the clearest and most concise text on the subject, providing state-of-the-art coverage of clinically relevant molecular genetics. Lynn B. Jorde, PhD; John C. Carey, MD; and Michael J. Bamshad, MD integrate recent developments with clinical practice and emphasize the central principles of genetics and their clinical applications. Now in full color, this edition provides you with the stunning visual clarity so important in this field. Get the very latest on hot topics like gene identification, cancer genetics, gene testing and gene therapy, common diseases, ethical and social issues, personalized medicine, and much more. This is an indispensable resource that should be on every reading list. This title includes additional digital media when purchased in print format. For this digital book edition, media content is not included. . Features mini-summaries, study questions, suggested reading, and a detailed glossary to supplement and reinforce what you learn from the text. Demonstrates clinical relevance through over 230 photographs, illustrations, and tables, along with boxes containing patient/family vignettes. Enhances the visual impact of the material with full-color illustrations throughout the text for easier and more effective learning and retention. Presents a new chapter on genomics and personalized medicine for the latest on these hot topics. Provides you with the latest knowledge and research on gene identification, cancer genetics, gene testing and gene therapy, common disorders, ethical and social issues, and much more so you can keep up with current developments in genetics. Includes study questions at the end of every chapter so you can test yourself and retain the material. Features additional clinically commentary boxes throughout the text to show the relevance of genetics to everyday patient problems to prepare you for problem-based integrated courses.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recognized genomics as a priority area in public health education. To help public health students and professionals achieve proficiency in the language of genetics and attain genomics competencies delineated by the CDC, this book offers an introduction to basic molecular genetics and discusses the relevance of genomics to such key public health issues as environmental health, ethnic health disparities, health policy and law, research ethics, maternal and child health, clinical preventive medicine, health behavior, health economics, and communicable disease control. Presented in a context that is easy to understand, the book serves as an accessible portal of entry into the world of public health genomics.

"The volume deserves our serious attention. The authors have provided us an invaluable primer about the HGP and its implications for the future of American health care." -- Jurimetrics "This book does make a real contribution... in explaining why the genetics revolution holds so much promise and why it is so difficult to bring that promise to fruition." -- The Journal of Legal Medicine "... marked by a forward-looking, analytically and empirically grounded thematic coherence. The editors' carefully crafted template and contributions successfully focus and organize the material." -- Annals of Internal Medicine "Excellent" -- Canadian Medical Association Journal "The editors have done a very good job integrating the contents into a very useful and readable information source." -- Choice "... this highly focused book is a well-written, thoughtful, and insightful consideration of the HGP and is valuable reading for anyone concerned with the future of our country's medical infrastructure." -- Science Books & Films (**Highly recommended) "A distinguished group of scientists, lawyers, and scholars have written a coherent, readable account of the legal, medical, ethical, and policy issues many (if not all) of us will be wrestling with on both a personal and a public level, as a result of current genetic research." -- Library Journal "Each of the contributors is a distinguished authority on the topic. Ethicists, especially, will find well-developed presentation of issues, with exposition of the differing ethical assumptions in tension in the society debate." -- Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Home Page How will the science of gene mapping and gene manipulation affect health care? Leading scholars explore the clinical, ethical, legal, and policy implications of the Human Genome Project for the forms of health care, who delivers it, who receives it, and who pays for it.

In the nearly 60 years since Watson and Crick proposed the double helical structure of DNA, the molecule of heredity, waves of discoveries have made genetics the most thrilling field in the sciences. The study of genes and genomics today explores all aspects of the life with relevance in the lab, in the doctor’s office, in the courtroom and even in social relationships. In this helpful guidebook, one of the most respected and accomplished human geneticists of our time communicates the importance of genes and genomics studies in all aspects of life. With the use of core concepts and the integration of extensive references, this book provides students and professionals alike with the most in-depth view of the current state of the science and its relevance across disciplines. Bridges the gap between basic human genetic understanding and one of the most promising avenues for advances in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human disease. Includes the latest information on diagnostic testing, population screening, predicting disease susceptibility, pharmacogenomics and more Explores ethical, legal, regulatory and economic aspects of genomics in medicine. Integrates historical (classical) genetics approach with the latest discoveries in structural and functional genomics

Online genetic testing services are increasingly being offered to consumers who are becoming exposed to, and knowledgeable about, new kinds of genetic technologies, as the launch of a 23andme genetic testing product in the UK testifies. Genetic research breakthroughs, cheek swabbing forensic pathologists and celebrities discovering their ancestral roots are littered throughout the North American, European and Australasian media landscapes. Genetic testing is now capturing the attention, and imagination, of hundreds of thousands of people who can not only buy genetic tests online, but can also go online to find relatives, share their results with strangers, sign up for personal DNA-based musical scores, and take part in research. This book critically examines this market of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing from a social science perspective, asking, what happens when genetics goes online? With a focus on genetic testing for disease, the book is about the new social arrangements which emerge when a traditionally clinical practice (genetic testing) is taken into new spaces (the internet). It examines the intersections of new genetics and new media by drawing from three different fields: internet studies; the sociology of health; and science and technology studies. While there has been a surge of research activity concerning DTC genetic testing, particularly in sociology, ethics and law, this is the first scholarly monograph on the topic, and the first book which brings together the social study of genetics and the social study of digital technologies. This book thus not only offers a new overview of this field, but also offers a unique contribution by attending to the digital, and by drawing upon empirical examples from our own research of DTC genetic testing websites (using online methods) and in-depth interviews in the United Kingdom with people using healthcare services.