A SMART framework for equitable supervision: Insights from a longitudinal study with BIPOC genetic counseling...

Area of Science:

• Genetic counseling education
• Supervision models
• Health equity

Background:

• The Reciprocal Engagement Model of Supervision (REM-S) highlights the importance of strong alliances and communication in supervisory relationships.
• Hierarchical dynamics in supervision can induce anxiety, particularly for marginalized students.
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students may experience heightened impact from power differentials due to their identities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical rotation experiences of BIPOC genetic counseling students.
• To identify relational and structural factors influencing these experiences.
• To propose supervisor interventions for enhancing psychological safety and student learning.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 BIPOC genetic counseling students.
• Utilized a longitudinal constructivist study framework.
• Employed reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• Relational factors: supervisor support and mindset (growth vs. judgment).
• Structural factors: rotation organization, student independence, and feedback characteristics (style, content, timing).
• Power dynamics necessitate specific considerations beyond patient-counselor parallels.

Conclusions:

• Integrating psychological safety principles with REM-S can foster essential interpersonal risk-taking for skill acquisition.
• A framework for co-creating personalized SMART goals can improve learning and create more equitable supervisory experiences.
• Proposed interventions aim to enhance the learning environment for BIPOC genetic counseling students.