Training Methods for Delivering Difficult News in Genetic Counseling and Genetics Residency Training Programs

Area of Science:

• Medical Genetics
• Genetic Counseling Education

Background:

• Healthcare providers, including genetic counselors and clinical geneticists, frequently deliver difficult news (DDN) to patients and families.
• Existing studies indicate a need for improved skills in delivering difficult news effectively and satisfactorily.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent and methods of DDN training in genetic counseling (GC) and medical genetics residency programs.
• To compare DDN training between GC and residency programs and gauge interest in training recommendations.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to genetic counseling and genetics residency program directors.
• The survey assessed curricula, clinical experiences, and attitudes towards teaching DDN, with response rates of 85% for GC and 26% for residency directors.

Main Results:

• All surveyed directors agreed on the importance of effective DDN skills and formal training.
• GC programs utilized six of eight common teaching methods (≥75%), while residency programs used two (≥75%).
• GC curricula showed more integration of DDN techniques than genetics residency curricula.

Conclusions:

• Genetic counseling programs demonstrate more comprehensive integration of delivering difficult news training compared to genetics residency programs.
• Directors from both program types expressed a strong desire for standardized recommendations and improved education in delivering difficult news.