A qualitative focus group analysis: Increasing fieldwork capacity in genetic counseling training programs.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Genetic Counseling Education
• Allied Health Professions Training

Background:

• The number of genetic counselors in the U.S. is insufficient, limiting patient access to essential healthcare services.
• Fieldwork capacity, constrained by limited rotation sites and supervisors, presents a major barrier to entering the genetic counseling profession.
• Existing strategies to enhance fieldwork capacity in other health professions require evaluation for genetic counseling training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the perspectives of key stakeholders on the practicality of techniques to increase genetic counseling fieldwork capacity.
• To identify potential solutions for the bottleneck in genetic counseling training programs.
• To inform strategies for expanding student enrollment in genetic counseling programs.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured focus group interviews with 25 genetic counseling program directors and supervisors.
• Participants represented clinical, industry, and laboratory backgrounds.
• Analyzed focus group responses using directed content analysis and split coding.

Main Results:

• Key themes emerged regarding rotation structures, systems infrastructure, and skill-building methods for increasing fieldwork capacity.
• Stakeholders emphasized quality student placements over quantity, transparency in skill transferability, and scaffolding student entrustment.
• Program directors and supervisors highlighted the need for open communication to manage expectations regarding novel training approaches.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the fieldwork capacity bottleneck is crucial for increasing genetic counselor enrollment and improving healthcare access.
• Implementing novel rotation structures and skill-building techniques requires careful consideration of program-specific nuances and open communication.
• Strategies focusing on supervisor capacity building and transparent skill development can enhance training program effectiveness.