Need for additional training to be a laboratory genetic counselor-A qualitative exploration

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Laboratory Science

Background:

• Growing opportunities exist for genetic counselors in laboratory settings, but professional development for these roles remains underexplored.
• Existing genetic counseling training may not fully encompass the unique competencies required for non-direct patient care laboratory positions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify essential competencies for entry-level genetic counselors in laboratory roles.
• To assess the perceived preparedness of these competencies by laboratory experts.
• To evaluate the value of additional credentialing for genetic counselors in laboratory settings.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 genetic counselors and 5 laboratory managers with extensive experience.
• Participants were recruited through purposeful and snowball sampling.
• Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed using deductive and inductive coding.

Main Results:

• Laboratory roles, distinct from clinical genetic counseling, involve non-direct patient care, focusing on variant interpretation, marketing, and product development.
• Genetic counselors perceive themselves as well-prepared, offering a patient-centered perspective to laboratory functions.
• While practice-based competencies are transferable, specific training in variant interpretation, genomic test limitations, and healthcare business is needed and often acquired on the job.

Conclusions:

• Genetic counseling programs should incorporate more exposure to diverse laboratory roles and essential non-clinical competencies.
• Additional post-master's credentialing may hinder, rather than help, genetic counselors entering laboratory positions.
• Further research into the professional identity of genetic counselors in non-direct patient care roles is recommended.