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Lungu R, Guimarães L, Costa C, Paneque M. Need for integration of genetic counselors in the Portuguese healthcare: Their added value from the medical geneticists perspective. J Genet Couns 2024. [PMID: 38994691 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Genetic counseling plays a crucial role in providing individuals and families with comprehensive information, support, and guidance regarding genetic conditions. This article explores the benefits of the integration of the genetic counselor (GC) professional in Portugal and based on evidence collected from two focus group comprising Portuguese medical geneticists. The findings highlight the agreement of medical geneticists on the relevancy of GCs' integration into national healthcare as well as the need for education and training programs to enhance the genetics literacy of other healthcare professionals and increase public awareness and support for genetic counseling services. By incorporating GCs and adopting some actions suggested by participants as part of a future national strategy, Portugal can improve access to personalized genetic services and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their genetic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxanda Lungu
- ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lídia Guimarães
- ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- AAJUDE - Associação de Apoio à Juventude Deficiente, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Costa
- CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP - Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Milena Paneque
- ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Paneque M, O Shea R, Narravula A, Siglen E, Ciuca A, Abulí A, Serra-Juhé C. Thirty-years of genetic counselling education in Europe: a growing professional area. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01552-8. [PMID: 38355960 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic counselling education and training in Europe spans a continuum of 30 years. More master programs are opening due the demand for qualified genetic counselors. This report describes the evolution of training in Europe and the current state of genetic counselling training programs. Directors of master programs in Europe were invited to complete an online survey describing their program, including year of commencement, course duration, number of students and frequency of intake and number graduating. Results of the survey were presented at a closed meeting at the European Society of Human Genetics conference in 2022 along with a facilitated stakeholder engagement session in which 19 professionals participated to understand the challenges in delivering genetic counselling education in Europe. A total of 10 active programs exists in Europe with the first training program starting in 1992. The majority of training programs have a 2-year duration, with just over half of programs having an annual intake of students. Up to May 2022, 710 students have graduated from genetic counseling training programs across Europe. Of these, 670 students graduated from European Board of Medical Genetics-registered programs. Arranging clinical placements, clinical and counseling supervision of students, research collaboration for MSc research projects and incorporating genomics into the curriculum were identified as current challenges for genetic counseling education. Genetic counseling is still a developing profession in Europe and this historical and current view of the European genetic counselor pathways, allows for educational and professional standards to be examined as the profession evolves into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paneque
- CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - R O Shea
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Genetic Service, St. James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - E Siglen
- Western Norway Familial Cancer Center, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - A Ciuca
- Department of Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A Abulí
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Medicine Genetics Group Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Serra-Juhé
- Genetics Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- U705 CIBERER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Reichert SL, Dechene E, Lulis L, Valverde K, Conway L, Dulik M. Leveling the field: Development of an asynchronous interactive module series for genetic counseling trainees on molecular testing and variant interpretation. J Genet Couns 2024; 33:151-155. [PMID: 38197609 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The need for education focusing on genomic technologies and variant interpretation for genetic counseling trainees has prompted genetic counseling training programs to alter their curricula to incorporate this content. Given students' diverse experiences prior to matriculation into genetic counseling training programs, students' familiarity with these topics may vary. Following receipt of feedback from trainees at a large genetic counseling program regarding an existing course focused on molecular technologies, a three-part asynchronous module series was created as a prerequisite to this course as an opportunity to align knowledge. Designed to be completed by students on their own time and at their own pace, the modules allowed for additional instruction without increases in classroom time or credit hours. Content included a refresh on genetics concepts and an introduction to available genetics resources for developing a differential diagnosis as well as variant interpretation framework. Modules utilized a clinical scenario to anchor learning with interactive content, allowing students to progress at their own pace and explore content as they found necessary. Completion of this asynchronous module series was required by incoming first-year students prior to the start of the academic semester. Following completion, students were asked to provide feedback on the module series. Reviews were primarily positive with students indicating that while the content was not entirely new, they found the review valuable and would be likely to reference the modules later in their genetic counseling training. Areas identified for improvement included additional detail regarding genetic testing methods as well as adjusting the interactive content to ensure accessibility for all students and systems. Taken together, the development and implementation of this asynchronous series as an additional component to genetic counseling training was considered a success and this approach can be considered to address additional topics dependent on a programs' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Reichert
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth Dechene
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren Lulis
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathleen Valverde
- Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laura Conway
- Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Dulik
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Ahimaz P, Ross M, Foltz J, Sebastin M, Naik K, Kramer T, Bogyo K, Primiano M. Future Frontiers: Exploration of practices, challenges, and educational needs of genetic counselors in emerging subspecialties. J Genet Couns 2023; 32:1238-1248. [PMID: 37975258 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The augmented use of genomic testing across different medical subspecialties has led to increased involvement of genetic counselors (GCs) in specialized areas of medicine. However, the lack of educational infrastructure required for changing scholastic needs of GCs entering new subspecialties lends to the burden of self-directed learning and inconsistent knowledge. We conducted a cross-sectional study surveying GCs with experience in the emerging genetic subspecialties of Immunology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, and Pulmonology (abbreviated as "IDEP") on current practices, clinical challenges, and educational strategies undertaken while working in these settings. We compared knowledge and confidence in skills related to IDEP patient care between GCs who do (experienced cohort) and do not (control cohort) practice in these settings to assess their comfort with working in subspecialties. Participants were recruited from the National Society of Genetic Counselors membership. A total of 304 GCs (178 experienced and 126 control) completed the survey. Most GCs in the experienced cohort saw IDEP patients by themselves (n = 104; 58.4%) or with a geneticist (n = 97; 54.4%) and almost all (n = 176; 99%) cited GeneReviews as a primary informational source for IDEP genetics but half (n = 91; 51.1%) agreed that a dedicated online course would be the best way to learn about a specific subspecialty. The experienced cohort scored higher on confidence in all skills (p < 0.001, z = 7.32) and knowledge (p < 0.001, z = 5.68) related to IDEP genetics than the control cohort. Previous exposure to IDEP through graduate school coursework and rotations positively correlated with better self-confidence in skills (p = 0.02, z = -2.19; p < 0.001, z = -5.25) and genetic knowledge (p = 0.03, z = -2.09; p < 0.001, z = -2.81) related to IDEP patient care. Years of experience working as a GC did not correlate with better confidence in skills (p = 0.53) or better IDEP genetic knowledge (p = 0.15). Our findings show that provision of opportunities for increased exposure to subspecialties could help maximize GCs' ability to work in emerging niche fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Ahimaz
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meredith Ross
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennah Foltz
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Monisha Sebastin
- Division of Genetics Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ketki Naik
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tamar Kramer
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kelsie Bogyo
- Interdepartmental Genetic Counseling Program, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michelle Primiano
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Weldon CB, Trosman JR, Liang SY, Douglas MP, Scheuner MT, Kurian A, Schaa KL, Roscow B, Erwin D, Phillips KA. Genetic counselors' experience with reimbursement and patient out-of-pocket cost for multi-cancer gene panel testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:1394-1403. [PMID: 35900261 PMCID: PMC9722528 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multi-cancer gene panels for hereditary cancer syndromes (hereditary cancer panels, HCPs) are widely available, and some laboratories have programs that limit patients' out-of-pocket (OOP) cost share. However, little is known about practices by cancer genetic counselors for discussing and ordering an HCP and how insurance reimbursement and patient out-of-pocket share impact these practices. We conducted a survey of cancer genetic counselors based in the United States through the National Society of Genetic Counselors to assess the impact of reimbursement and patient OOP share on ordering of an HCP and hereditary cancer genetic counseling. Data analyses were conducted using chi-square and t tests. We received 135 responses (16% response rate). We found that the vast majority of respondents (94%, 127/135) ordered an HCP for patients rather than single-gene tests to assess hereditary cancer predisposition. Two-thirds of respondents reported that their institution had no protocol related to discussing HCPs with patients. Most respondents (84%, 114/135) indicated clinical indications and patients' requests as important in selecting and ordering HCPs, while 42%, 57/135, considered reimbursement and patient OOP share factors important. We found statistically significant differences in reporting of insurance as a frequently used payment method for HCPs and in-person genetic counseling (84% versus 59%, respectively, p < 0.0001). Perceived patient willingness to pay more than $100 was significantly higher for HCPs than for genetic counseling(41% versus 22%, respectively, p < 0.01). In sum, genetic counselors' widespread selection and ordering of HCPs is driven more by clinical indications and patient preferences than payment considerations. Respondents perceived that testing is more often reimbursed by insurance than genetic counseling, and patients are more willing to pay for an HCP than for genetic counseling. Policy efforts should address this incongruence in reimbursement and patient OOP share. Patient-centered communication should educate patients on the benefit of genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia R. Trosman
- Center for Business Models in Healthcare, Glencoe, IL, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; Center for Translational and Policy Research on Personalized Medicine (TRANSPERS), University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Su-Ying Liang
- Sutter Health-Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Michael P. Douglas
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; Center for Translational and Policy Research on Personalized Medicine (TRANSPERS), University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maren T. Scheuner
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Allison Kurian
- Departments of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kendra L. Schaa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Breanna Roscow
- Oncology Regional Medical Specialists Department, Myriad Genetics, Inc, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Deanna Erwin
- Genetic Counseling Services, Color Health, Burlingame, CA
| | - Kathryn A. Phillips
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; Center for Translational and Policy Research on Personalized Medicine (TRANSPERS), University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Wu KL, Alegria R, Gonzalez J, Hu H, Wang H, Page R, Robbins-Furman P, Ma P, Tseng TS, Chen LS. Characteristics and Quality of Mobile Apps Containing Prenatal Genetic Testing Information: Systematic App Store Search and Assessment. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e30404. [PMID: 34647898 PMCID: PMC8554671 DOI: 10.2196/30404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal genetic testing is an essential part of routine prenatal care. Yet, obstetricians often lack the time to provide comprehensive prenatal genetic testing education to their patients. Pregnant women lack prenatal genetic testing knowledge, which may hinder informed decision-making during their pregnancies. Due to the rapid growth of technology, mobile apps are a potentially valuable educational tool through which pregnant women can learn about prenatal genetic testing and improve the quality of their communication with obstetricians. The characteristics, quality, and number of available apps containing prenatal genetic testing information are, however, unknown. Objective This study aims to conduct a firstreview to identify, evaluate, and summarize currently available mobile apps that contain prenatal genetic testing information using a systematic approach. Methods We searched both the Apple App Store and Google Play for mobile apps containing prenatal genetic testing information. The quality of apps was assessed based on the criteria adopted from two commonly used and validated mobile app scoring systems, including the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the APPLICATIONS evaluation criteria. Results A total of 64 mobile apps were identified. Of these, only 2 apps were developed for a specific prenatal genetic test. All others were either pregnancy-related (61/64, 95%) or genetics-related (1/64, 2%) apps that provided prenatal genetic testing information. The majority of the apps (49/64, 77%) were developed by commercial companies. The mean quality assessment score of the included apps was 13.5 (SD 2.9), which was equal to the average of possible theoretical score. Overall, the main weaknesses of mobile apps in this review included the limited number of prenatal genetic tests mentioned; incomprehensiveness of testing information; unreliable and missing information sources; absence of developmental testing with users (not evidence based); high level of readability; and the lack of visual information, customization, and a text search field. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the quality of mobile apps with prenatal genetic testing information must be improved and that pregnant women should be cautious when using these apps for prenatal genetic testing information. Obstetricians should carefully examine mobile apps before referring any of them to their patients for use as an educational tool. Both improving the quality of existing mobile apps, and developing new, evidence-based, high-quality mobile apps targeting all prenatal genetic tests should be the focus of mobile app developers going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko-Lin Wu
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Rebeca Alegria
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jazzlyn Gonzalez
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Harrison Hu
- College of Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Haocen Wang
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Robin Page
- College of Nursing, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Patricia Robbins-Furman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Health Promotion & Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Tung-Sung Tseng
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Lei-Shih Chen
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Amendola LM, Golden-Grant K, Scollon S. Scaling Genetic Counseling in the Genomics Era. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2021; 22:339-355. [PMID: 33722076 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-110320-121752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The development of massively parallel sequencing-based genomic sequencing tests has increased genetic test availability and access. The field and practice of genetic counseling have adapted in response to this paradigm-shifting technology and the subsequent transition to practicing genomic medicine. While the key elements defining genetic counseling remain relevant, genetic counseling service delivery models and practice settings have evolved. Genetic counselors are addressing the challenges of direct-to-consumer and consumer-driven genetic testing, and genetic counseling training programs are responding to the ongoing increased demand for genetic counseling services across a broadening range of contexts. The need to diversify both the patient and participant groups with access to genetic information, as well as the field of genetic counseling, is at the forefront of research and training program initiatives. Genetic counselors are key stakeholders in the genomics era, and their contributions are essential to effectively and equitably deliver precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Amendola
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; ,
| | - Katie Golden-Grant
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; ,
| | - Sarah Scollon
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA;
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Teaching clinicians practical genomic medicine: 7 years' experience in a tertiary care center. Genet Med 2020; 22:1703-1709. [PMID: 32616942 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-0868-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Increased implementation of complex genetic technologies in clinical practice emphasizes the urgency of genomic literacy and proficiency for medical professionals. We evaluated our genomic education model. METHODS We assessed the 5-day, extended format program, encompassing lectures, videos, interactive tests, practice cases, and clinical exercises. Pre- and post questionnaires assessed knowledge change, using t-tests to compare groups. Satisfaction on program completion and after 3 years were evaluated. Implementation in other centers determined acceptability. RESULTS During 2012-2018, 774 clinicians from multiple disciplines and career stages attended 35 programs; 334 (43%) attended the 5-day extended format. Evaluations showed significant improvement of genomic literacy (mean 15.05/100 points, p < 0.001). Residents initially had higher scores than specialists (pre: 66.3 ± 17.3 vs. 58.7 ± 16.6, respectively, p = 0.002); both significantly improved, with specialists "catching up" (post: 79.1 ± 17.2 vs. 75.7 ± 15.9, nonsignificant (NS)); there was a similar trend between fellows and subspecialists (pre: 70 ± 18 vs. 59.4 ± 16.4, respectively, p = 0.007; post: 78.6 ± 16.4 vs. 73.2 ± 17.7, respectively, NS). Younger specialists (≤10 years residency) had significantly higher pre- and post scores. Absolute improvement in scores did not depend on medical specialties. CONCLUSION Our program is effective in improving genomics literacy for clinicians, irrespective of career length or expertise, and could be a model for improving skills in practical genomics for all medical professionals.
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