Abstract
Dissemination of knowledge in genetics to be applied in medicine has created a growing need for capacity building in health care workers. The CAPABILITY ARGENTINA outreach project protocol was designed as a model to introduce genetics in areas without genetic services. Our aim was for genetic health care to become part of primary care in an Argentine province lacking genetic services. The program was innovative as professionals from the referral center (Garrahan Hospital S.A.M.I.C.) traveled to remote areas to train professionals through problem-based education. A logical framework was designed for a local needs assessment. Teaching materials (Powerpoint presentations, printed syllabus, and CD) and a web page were developed. A demonstration project was carried out in the Province of Chaco, Argentina. A total of 485 health workers were trained. The number of consultations increased significantly in participating areas comparing before and after the training period. To support this increase, a complementary project was set up from a public hospital sponsored from within Argentina to build a cytogenetic laboratory in the capital of the Province of Chaco. The model was improved for reproduction in other areas in Argentina. CAPABILITY ARGENTINA is a capacity building model for training of primary care professionals in genetics that may be applied to other medical specialties. The outcomes of the programme have a direct impact on clinical practice.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following groups and individuals to collaborate in the development of the project:
At national level:
• Participants of Chaco, the authorities, head on the Garrahan Hospital, the Garrahan Foundation.
At international level:
• The participants of the CAPABILITY Consortium.
This project was part of the CAPABILITY Special Support Action funded by the EC 6th Framework Programme, contract number: LSSG-CT-2006-037275.
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This article is part of the special issue "Capability/GenTEE"
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Barreiro, C.Z., Bidondo, M.P., Garrido, J.A. et al. CHACO outreach project: the development of a primary health care-based medical genetic service in an Argentinean province. J Community Genet 4, 321–334 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-013-0157-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-013-0157-x