Journal of Genetic Counseling (02/09/24) Schwartz, Lisa; Mackall, Mia S.; Arjunan, Aishwarya; et al.

Researchers evaluated the attitudes of genetic counselors, both in and out of laboratory settings, about rewording or expanding various measures of competency, such as practice-based competencies and board examination, to incorporate laboratory roles. An electronic survey was sent to more than 5,400 American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABCG) diplomates, and the findings were compared with 2021 NSGC Professional Status Survey (PSS) responses. Among the 399 respondents, 52% worked in the lab, compared with 20% in the PSS, and 47% worked in non-direct patient care position, compared with 25% in the PSS. Although they believed the practice-based competencies (PBCs) could transfer to their roles, most respondents indicated they would like the PBCs to be less focused on patient care and expanded to correlate with laboratory roles. They also recommended updating the ABGC exam with laboratory-focused questions and incorporating laboratory-focused training into master's in genetic counseling (MGC) programs. Requiring training post-MGC would limit counselors' ability to switch jobs, most respondents said. Genetic counselors working in a laboratory setting said they felt less prepared for some positions and for how the PBCs applied to non-direct patient care positions. In addition, slightly more than half of the respondents felt the NSGC supports their needs and others in their practice. "Overall, genetic counselors across diverse practice settings agree that the training, competency evaluation and certification of genetic counselors need to be revised and expanded to include competencies used by genetic counselors in non-direct patient care roles, including in the laboratory," the researchers concluded.

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