Interactive genetic counseling role-play: a novel educational strategy for family physicians

Family physicians (FPs) are increasingly involved in delivering genetic services. Familiarization with aspects of genetic counseling may enable FPs to help patients make informed choices.

Exploration of interactive role-play as a means to raise FPs' awareness of the process and content of genetic counseling.

FPs attending two large Canadian family medicine conferences in 2005 were eligible -- 93 participated. FPs discussed a case during a one-on-one session with a genetic counselor. Evaluation involved pre and post intervention questionnaires

FPs' baseline genetic knowledge was self-rated as uniformly poor. Baseline confidence was highest in eliciting family history and providing psychosocial support and lowest in discussing risks/benefits of genetic testing and counseling process. Post-intervention, 80% of FPs had better appreciation of family history and 97% indicated this was an effective learning experience.

Role-play with FPs is effective in raising awareness of the process and content of genetic counseling and may be applied to other health disciplines.