There is little evidence on this topic, but it does appear from the available evidence that nurses are not demonstrating the competences needed to offer holistic health care to people with genetic conditions. Pre- and post-registration programmes must be enhanced to include genetic health care.

Increases in learner numbers and National Health Service modernization have had an impact on clinical placements' capacity to support learning, and potentially, on learners' achievements in practice. Findings from this study are thus important in evaluating the impact of these policy initiatives.

To date, a number of studies evaluating service developments, education, expert practice and leadership have been carried out. However although a number of studies have assessed perceived impact of the consultant role, no measure of actual benefit has been published to date. Studies that evaluate the cost benefit/outcomes of these roles in relation to both activity and quality of service are required.

No abstract