An integrated training approach to accelerate capacity development in pathogen genomics

The occurrence of infectious disease outbreaks and the escalation of antimicrobial resistance emphasize the critical need for harnessing genomics technologies to assist in clinical management and pathogen surveillance. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for expertise in genomics to ensure competent application across research and healthcare domains. However, there is a scarcity of tailored training programs for pathogen genomics that prove effective for healthcare practice. Moreover, expertise in genomics training development and delivery is limited. To address these challenges and enhance capacity in pathogen genomics and data science within clinical microbiology, we have developed a Train-the-Trainer (TtT) course for professionals who were implementing genomics in research and healthcare practice. This course, grounded in andragogical principles, seamlessly integrates methodologies for teaching genomics content ranging from sample collection and analysis to data interpretation for understanding pathogen mechanisms, outbreak detection and surveillance. Goal and objectives: The CPD accredited course entitled “How to Design and Deliver Pathogen Genomics Training for Health and Research Professionals” provided participants with a framework for designing and building training resources, and techniques for training adult learners in pathogen genomic analysis, application and interpretation for management and surveillance of infectious disease.