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Kohler JN, Glanton E, Boyd BM, Sillari CH, Marwaha S, Wheeler MT. Genetic counselor roles in the undiagnosed diseases network research study: Clinical care, collaboration, and curation. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:326-337. [PMID: 34374469 PMCID: PMC11305122 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic counselors (GCs) are increasingly filling important positions on research study teams, but there is limited literature describing the roles of GCs in these settings. GCs on the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) study team serve in a variety of roles across the research network and provide an opportunity to better understand genetic counselor roles in research. To quantitatively characterize the tasks regularly performed and professional fulfillment derived from these tasks, two surveys were administered to UDN GCs in a stepwise fashion. Responses from the first, free-response survey elicited the scope of tasks which informed development of a second structured, multiple-select survey. In survey 2, respondents were asked to select which roles they performed. Across 19 respondents, roles in survey 2 received a total of 947 selections averaging approximately 10 selections per role. When asked to indicate what roles they performed, respondent selected a mean of 50 roles (range 22-70). Survey 2 data were analyzed via thematic coding of responses and hierarchical cluster analysis to identify patterns in responses. From the thematic analysis, 20 non-overlapping codes emerged in seven categories: clinical interaction and care, communication, curation, leadership, participant management, research, and team management. Three themes emerged from the categories that represented the roles of GCs in the UDN: clinical care, collaboration, and curation. Cluster analyses showed that responses were more similar among individuals at the same institution than between institutions. This study highlights the ways GCs apply their unique skill set in the context of a clinical translational research network. Additionally, findings from this study reinforce the wide applicability of core skills that are part of genetic counseling training. Clinical literacy, genomics expertise and analysis, interpersonal, psychosocial and counseling skills, education, professional practice skills, and an understanding of research processes make genetic counselors well suited for such roles and poised to positively impact research experiences and outcomes for participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennefer N Kohler
- Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emily Glanton
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Color Genomics, Burlingame, CA, USA
| | - Brenna M Boyd
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Catherine H Sillari
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Office of the Clinical Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shruti Marwaha
- Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T Wheeler
- Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Higgs E, Dagan-Rosenfeld O, Snyder M. Adapting skills from genetic counseling to wearables technology research during the COVID-19 pandemic: Poised for the pivot. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:1269-1275. [PMID: 34580951 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Genetic counselors have shown themselves to be adaptable in an evolving profession, with expansion into new sub-specialties, various non-clinical settings, and research roles. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sudden and drastic shift in healthcare priorities. In an effort to contribute meaningfully to the COVID-19 crisis, and to adapt to a remote- and essential-only research environment, our workplace and thus our roles pivoted from genomics research to remote COVID-19 research using wearables technologies. With a deep understanding of genomic data, we were quickly able to apply similar concepts to wearables data including considering privacy implications, managing uncertain findings, and acknowledging the lack of ethnic diversity in many datasets. By sharing our own experience as an example, we hope individuals trained in genetic counseling may see opportunities for adaptation of their skills into expanding roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Higgs
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Kieke MC, Conta JH, Riley JD, Zetzsche LH. The current landscape of genetic test stewardship: A multi-center prospective study. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:1203-1210. [PMID: 33728729 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Genetic counselors (GCs) play a pivotal role in selecting clinically appropriate and cost-effective genetic testing. Several single-institution reports over the past decade provide evidence of the value GCs bring to this stewardship role across diverse settings in healthcare, including hospital laboratories, commercial laboratories, and insurance companies. This multi-center, prospective, and quantitative study describes the outcomes of GC review of genetic test requests over a four-week period at six hospital laboratories and three commercial laboratories, thus expanding our understanding of this emerging specialty in the genetic counseling field. This study also highlights the added value of utilizing GC expertise in stewardship efforts, namely selecting the most appropriate genetic testing and realizing significant cost savings. GC review of genetic test requests led to an average order modification rate of 22%-25%. It also resulted in significant cost savings to institutions. The projected average annual savings after GC review of genetic test requests approximated $665,600 for hospital laboratories and $1,651,000 for commercial laboratories. These study findings demonstrate the significant value of GC-led genetic test stewardship programs, allow for comparisons across institutions currently performing genetic test stewardship, and support the implementation of a GC-led stewardship program at institutions who currently do not have one.
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Dragojlovic N, Borle K, Kopac N, Ellis U, Birch P, Adam S, Friedman JM, Nisselle A, Elliott AM, Lynd LD. The composition and capacity of the clinical genetics workforce in high-income countries: a scoping review. Genet Med 2020; 22:1437-1449. [PMID: 32576987 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-0825-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As genetics becomes increasingly integrated into all areas of health care and the use of complex genetic tests continues to grow, the clinical genetics workforce will likely face greatly increased demand for its services. To inform strategic planning by health-care systems to prepare to meet this future demand, we performed a scoping review of the genetics workforce in high-income countries, summarizing all available evidence on its composition and capacity published between 2010 and 2019. Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PAIS, CINAHL, and Web of Science) and gray literature sources were searched, resulting in 162 unique studies being included in the review. The evidence presented includes the composition and size of the workforce, the scope of practice for genetics and nongenetics specialists, the time required to perform genetics-related tasks, case loads of genetics providers, and opportunities to increase efficiency and capacity. Our results indicate that there is currently a shortage of genetics providers and that there is a lack of consensus about the appropriate boundaries between the scopes of practice for genetics and nongenetics providers. Moreover, the results point to strategies that may be used to increase productivity and efficiency, including alternative service delivery models, streamlining processes, and the automation of tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Dragojlovic
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kennedy Borle
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nicola Kopac
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ursula Ellis
- Woodward Library, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patricia Birch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shelin Adam
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jan M Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amy Nisselle
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Alison M Elliott
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Larry D Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Haverbusch VCE, Heise EM, Foreman AKM, Callanan NP. An examination of the factors contributing to the expansion of subspecialty genetic counseling. J Genet Couns 2019; 28:616-625. [PMID: 30706979 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, genetic counselors have moved into increasingly varied areas of patient care. Yet limited information is known about how these genetic counselors transitioned from more general clinical practice to subspecialized practice. This study was designed to answer three research questions: (1) What common factors establish a need for a genetic counselor in a subspecialty setting? (2) How do genetic counselors in subspecialties establish their positions? (3) Once established, how do the positions of these genetic counselors evolve as the subspecialty expands? Phone interviews with subspecialized genetic counselors led to the development of an online survey distributed through the National Society of Genetic Counselors ListServ. Sixty-eight of the 144 initial participants met eligibility criteria for participation as subspecialty genetic counselors in a clinical role. Physician interest in hiring a genetic counselor, clinical need, genetic counselor interest in subspecialty area, and available genetic testing were commonly reported as contributing factors to position creation. Most subspecialty genetic counseling positions were created as new positions, rather than evolved from a previous position. Over time, subspecialty positions drew more departmental funding and included increased clinical coordination or administrative responsibilities. The results of this study can encourage genetic counselors to collaborate with their medical institutions to utilize their skill-set in diverse areas of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ann Katherine M Foreman
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nancy P Callanan
- MS Genetic Counseling Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
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Baty BJ. Genetic counseling: Growth of the profession and the professional. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie J. Baty
- Department of Pediatrics, SOM 2C454University of Utah Health Sciences CenterSalt Lake City Utah
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Lopes-Júnior LC, Carvalho Júnior PM, de Faria Ferraz VE, Nascimento LC, Van Riper M, Flória-Santos M. Genetic education, knowledge and experiences between nurses and physicians in primary care in Brazil: A cross-sectional study. Nurs Health Sci 2016; 19:66-74. [PMID: 27510609 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in genomics and related technologies have the potential to improve health care throughout the world. In this cross-sectional study, we examine genetics education, knowledge, and genetics-related experiences among the nurses and physicians who provide primary care in a Brazilian city. Fifty-four healthcare professionals from family health units participated in the study (response rate: 90%). Data were collected using a structured 36-item questionnaire divided into five axes: sociodemographic data and academic background; genetics education; genetics knowledge; genetics-related experiences in family practice; and knowledge regarding the National Policy for Comprehensive Care in Clinical Genetics in the Unified Health System. Although most participants (85.2%) acknowledged receiving some genetic content during their undergraduate education, the majority (77.8%) advised that they did not feel prepared to deliver genomics-based health care in primary care. The results suggest that nurses and physicians often lack the knowledge to provide genomics-based health care in primary care. Therefore, continuing education in genetics/genomics should be provided to primary healthcare professionals in order to enhance family practice and compliance with national policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior
- Who Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lucila Castanheira Nascimento
- Who Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia Van Riper
- Chapel Hill School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Milena Flória-Santos
- Who Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Archibald AD, Hickerton CL, Wake SA, Jaques AM, Cohen J, Metcalfe SA. "It gives them more options": preferences for preconception genetic carrier screening for fragile X syndrome in primary healthcare. J Community Genet 2016; 7:159-71. [PMID: 26842720 PMCID: PMC4796042 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-016-0262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore stakeholder views about offering population-based genetic carrier screening for fragile X syndrome. A qualitative study using interviews and focus groups with stakeholders was undertaken to allow for an in-depth exploration of views and perceptions about practicalities of, and strategies for, offering carrier screening for fragile X syndrome to the general population in healthcare settings. A total of 188 stakeholders took part including healthcare providers (n = 81), relatives of people with fragile X syndrome (n = 29), and members of the general community (n = 78). The importance of raising community awareness about screening and providing appropriate support for carriers was emphasized. There was a preference for preconception carrier screening and for providing people with the opportunity to make an informed decision about screening. Primary care was highlighted as a setting which would ensure screening is accessible; however, challenges of offering screening in primary care were identified including time to discuss screening, knowledge about the test and possible outcomes, and the health professionals' approach to offering screening. With the increasing availability of genetic carrier tests, it is essential that research now focuses on evaluating approaches for the delivery of carrier screening programs. Primary healthcare is perceived as an appropriate setting through which to access the target population, and raising awareness is essential to making genetic screening more accessible to the general community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison D Archibald
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Samantha A Wake
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alice M Jaques
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- Fragile X Alliance Inc., Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sylvia A Metcalfe
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Genetics Education and Health Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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