2023 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting Digital Edition: Poster Gallery-Specialization in Prental Genetic Counseling: Defining the Role of Fetal Therapy Genetic Counselors

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to define the role of fetal therapy genetic counselors (FTGC) by comparing their practices to prenatal genetic counselors (PGC). A survey was distributed to FTGCs and PGCs to gather information about their daily tasks, referral indications, testing strategies, team dynamics, and perceived differences between the two specialties.<br /><br />The results showed that FTGC is a distinct subspecialty of PGC, supported by differences in testing strategies and referral indications. While FTGCs and PGCs spent similar amounts of time on daily tasks, FTGCs reported more psychosocially intense patient populations and more complex discussions. This suggests that FTGCs may experience increased burnout compared to PGCs.<br /><br />The study also found that there is a lack of understanding about the role of FTGCs among healthcare providers who do not work directly in the field. This highlights the need for additional information and education to define and support the field of FTGC.<br /><br />Some limitations of the study include the small sample size, which may not be representative of the full subspecialty, and the adjustment of part-time FTGC responses to represent full-time equivalent, which may not accurately reflect the experiences of full-time FTGCs.<br /><br />Future directions for research suggested by the study include examining the relationship between testing strategy and referral timing, understanding the patient pipeline into fetal therapy, and exploring burnout and job satisfaction among FTGCs.<br /><br />Overall, this study helps to define the role of FTGC as a distinct subspecialty within genetic counseling. It provides valuable insights into the practices and challenges faced by FTGCs, which can inform the development of the field and improve professional support.

Asset Subtitle

Presenting Author - Emma E. Culter, MS in progress; Co-Author - Kestutis Micke, MS, CGC; Co-Author - Laura M. Rust, MS, CGC; Co-Author - Aarti Ramdaney, MS, CGC;

Meta Tag

Cell free DNA/cfDNA

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Clinical Cytogenetics

Clinical History

Congenital Anomaly

Counseling

Cytogenetics

Exome sequencing

Fetal Therapy

Genetic Testing

Genome sequencing

Malformation

Microarray

Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS)

Prenatal Diagnosis

Psychosocial Issues

Teratogens

Ultrasound

Co-Author Kestutis Micke, MS, CGC

Co-Author Laura M. Rust, MS, CGC

Co-Author Aarti Ramdaney, MS, CGC

Presenting Author Emma E. Culter, MS in progress

Keywords

fetal therapy genetic counselors

prenatal genetic counselors

daily tasks

referral indications

testing strategies

burnout

healthcare providers

limitations of the study

future directions for research

role of FTGC as a distinct subspecialty