Trauma-Informed Care: An Investigation Into Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Genetic Counselors

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Psychology
• Healthcare Education

Background:

• Trauma-informed care (TIC) is crucial for effective patient engagement and treatment.
• Integrating TIC in genetic counseling can improve patient-clinician relationships and outcomes.
• Understanding genetic counselors' current knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding TIC is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess genetic counselors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to trauma-informed care (TIC).
• To identify existing gaps in TIC knowledge and application within genetic counseling.
• To evaluate the need and interest for TIC training among genetic counselors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing an anonymous online survey.
• Participants included board-certified or board-eligible genetic counselors in the US and Canada.
• Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data from 101 respondents.

Main Results:

• Significant variability in TIC knowledge was observed; 86% were unfamiliar with TIC principles.
• Nearly all participants (99%) acknowledged the importance of a safe environment for trauma-affected patients.
• Only 21.4% regularly incorporated TIC, while 18.4% had received prior training, with 92.9% expressing interest in further education.

Conclusions:

• Genetic counselors demonstrate knowledge gaps regarding TIC principles.
• There is a substantial need for structured trauma-informed care training in genetic counseling.
• Implementing comprehensive TIC training can enhance genetic counseling practice and patient care.