Generative AI and the profession of genetic counseling

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Medical Informatics
• Genetic Counseling

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, is poised to transform various professions.
• Genetic counseling is identified as a field susceptible to significant impact from LLMs due to their natural language processing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of LLMs, detailing their strengths, biases, risks, and potential applications within genetic counseling.
• To explore the implications of integrating LLMs into genetic healthcare, balancing technological potential with ethical considerations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of current LLM capabilities.
• Exploration of potential use cases in genetic counseling, including administrative tasks and client support tools.
• Discussion of ethical, regulatory, and privacy concerns associated with LLM deployment in clinical settings.

Main Results:

• LLMs demonstrate promise for augmenting genetic counseling tasks such as letter writing, triage, and decision support.
• Significant ethical, regulatory, and privacy challenges arise from LLM interactions with client data and confidential information.
• While LLMs can process information and simulate empathy, they cannot replicate the nuanced psychotherapeutic skills and personalized care of human genetic counselors.

Conclusions:

• LLMs offer valuable support for specific aspects of genetic counseling practice.
• Maintaining a focus on the core counseling process and psychotherapeutic goals is crucial for genetic counselors in an AI-integrated future.
• Careful consideration of AI deployment in clinical settings and the preservation of relational care elements are essential for ensuring quality client outcomes.