Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the principles and benefits of genetic carrier screening in the pre-conception and antenatal settings.
• Identify common inherited conditions for which carrier screening is relevant in primary care.
• Apply evidence-based guidelines to determine when to offer carrier screening to patients.
• Communicate effectively with patients about carrier screening, focusing on preparing them for referral.
• Recognise when and how to refer patients to genetic counselling and other genetic services.
• Outline key steps and information for effective referral pathways to local genetic services. 

This webinar is designed to meet the learning outcomes through focused educational methods, aligning with RACGP Standard 3, "CPD activities are designed to achieve the learning outcomes." Expert presentations: The genetic counsellor and geneticist will provide concise, up-to-date information on genetic carrier screening and referral pathways. This ensures the content is evidence-based and delivered by specialists, aligning with Criterion 3.3, which emphasises the importance of specialist GP involvement and evidence-based resources. The presentations will be structured to cover the core knowledge required for GPs to confidently offer and manage genetic carrier screening in primary care. Case-based discussion: A brief case study will be used to illustrate a typical scenario in primary care, focusing on the decision-making process for referral. This interactive approach encourages the application of knowledge to clinical practice, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also facilitates peer learning and reflection, contributing to Criterion 3.1, which highlights the use of contemporary educational practice and opportunities for interaction (albeit limited in a webinar format). Q&A session: Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their understanding of referral processes. This allows for immediate feedback and addresses individual learning needs, reinforcing key concepts and ensuring that any uncertainties are resolved. Resource sharing: Participants will receive a concise set of practical resources, such as a patient information sheet template and a local referral pathway document. Providing these resources supports ongoing learning and enables participants to implement the learned strategies in their practice. The selection of these methods is justified by their effectiveness in achieving the focused learning outcomes of a 1-hour webinar. The combination of presentations, a brief case discussion, and Q&A is suitable for delivering essential knowledge and skills efficiently. The assessment methods are fit for purpose, as the learning outcomes focus on knowledge acquisition, communication skills, and referral decision-making, which can be addressed within the webinar format (Criterion 3.4). The program plan includes details of facilitators (genetic counsellor and geneticist), interactive elements (case discussion, Q&A), and resource provision, further demonstrating alignment with Criterion 3.2.

This evaluation strategy is designed to assess the effectiveness of the webinar and ensure ongoing quality improvement, aligning with RACGP Standard 4, "Evaluation strategy informs quality improvement of the CPD activity." A brief online quiz will be administered immediately following the webinar to measure participants' understanding of key concepts in genetic carrier screening and referral pathways. This provides objective data on the program's impact on knowledge acquisition and aligns with Criterion 4.1 by providing evidence of the methodology used in the evaluation process. An online evaluation form will be used to gather feedback on the relevance of the content, the effectiveness of the delivery methods, and the likelihood of applying the learned strategies in practice. This incorporates a range of perspectives (participant feedback) in the data collection, as required by Criterion 4.1, and provides valuable insights into the participant experience. The evaluation form will include open-ended questions to collect detailed comments on what participants found most useful and areas for improvement, particularly regarding the clarity and practicality of referral information. The quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed to identify areas where the program can be strengthened and refined for future iterations, with a focus on improving the clarity and usefulness of the referral pathways. This analysis will form the basis of quality improvement (QI) recommendations. The evaluation process, including the methodology and data collection methods, will be documented, and the evaluation data will be provided to those involved in the activity's development and delivery, fulfilling the requirements of Criterion 4.1. Furthermore, the analysis of evaluation data will directly inform quality improvement of the CPD activity, as specified in Criterion 4.2. The evaluation report, including QI recommendations, will be provided to the RACGP. Evidence of changes made to the activity as a result of evaluation data will be documented and provided to the RACGP, demonstrating a commitment to continuous quality improvement. Examples of potential changes include modifying content or delivery methods to address knowledge gaps, revising referral pathways or resources based on feedback, and adjusting the program's focus or scope. By systematically collecting and analysing evaluation data and using it to drive improvements, we ensure that the CPD activity remains relevant, effective, and aligned with the needs of GPs, meeting the requirements of RACGP Standard 4.

The program will explore how socioeconomic factors, geographic location, and other social determinants of health can create inequalities in access to genetic carrier screening and related services. It will encourage participants to advocate for equitable access to services and tailor their care to meet the specific needs of vulnerable populations, including strategies to improve referral equity.

The program will reinforce professional responsibilities related to patient autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making in the context of genetic carrier screening and referral practices.

The program will address ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in genetic carrier screening, such as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, termination of pregnancy following a positive result, and the potential for psychological distress. It will encourage participants to apply ethical principles and frameworks to guide their practice, particularly in the context of referral decision-making.