FAQs About the Genetic Counseling Profession: Establishment and Growth Around the World

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Healthcare Professions
• Professional Development

Background:

• Genetic counseling (GC) is crucial in genomic medicine, but its professional recognition varies globally.
• Understanding factors hindering GC establishment and its global development is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore challenges and enabling factors in the professionalization of genetic counseling worldwide.
• To identify strategies for advancing the understanding, recognition, and regulation of GC.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory qualitative study using interviews with global key professionals.
• Reflexive thematic analysis of interview data.

Main Results:

• Identified three themes: misunderstandings about GC, diverse evolutionary routes, and strategies for development/recognition.
• The GC profession evolves through four recurring stages: early, emerging, established, and consolidated.
• Developed FAQs to support decision-makers, educators, and practitioners in advancing GC.

Conclusions:

• GC professionalization follows global patterns with local variations.
• Addressing misunderstandings and implementing strategic development are key for GC recognition.
• GC's impact on healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes warrants further exploration and support.