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Mendes Á, Paneque M, Sequeiros J. Disclosure of genetic risk to family members: A qualitative study on healthcare professionals' perceived roles and responsibilities. Eur J Med Genet 2024; 68:104931. [PMID: 38431090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2024.104931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents the perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding their roles and responsibilities in supporting patients with the disclosure of genetic risk to their families. The study involved eight focus groups and two individual interviews with 34 healthcare professionals working in medical genetics services across Portugal. The data were analyzed thematically, resulting in three primary themes: i) informing patients about the risk to relatives; ii) ensuring patient confidentiality; and iii) encouraging family communication. Participants believed it is their responsibility to inform patients about the genetic risk to their relatives, with patients bearing a moral responsibility to convey this information. They explained that the principles of medical confidentiality of the patient take precedence over any direct responsibility to patients' relatives. Treating personal and familial genetic information separately was perceived as challenging to implement and potentially problematic. While most participants reported encouraging patients to inform their relatives, the extent to which they facilitate this communication varies and is also constrained by lack of resources and concerns about complying with legal requirements. Some participants called for clearer national guidelines. These results contribute for ongoing discussions regarding the scope of practice and the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in appropriately cascading pertinent information to at-risk relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Mendes
- CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Milena Paneque
- CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Sequeiros
- CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Paneque M, O Shea R, Narravula A, Siglen E, Ciuca A, Abulí A, Serra-Juhé C. Thirty-years of genetic counselling education in Europe: a growing professional area. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01552-8. [PMID: 38355960 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic counselling education and training in Europe spans a continuum of 30 years. More master programs are opening due the demand for qualified genetic counselors. This report describes the evolution of training in Europe and the current state of genetic counselling training programs. Directors of master programs in Europe were invited to complete an online survey describing their program, including year of commencement, course duration, number of students and frequency of intake and number graduating. Results of the survey were presented at a closed meeting at the European Society of Human Genetics conference in 2022 along with a facilitated stakeholder engagement session in which 19 professionals participated to understand the challenges in delivering genetic counselling education in Europe. A total of 10 active programs exists in Europe with the first training program starting in 1992. The majority of training programs have a 2-year duration, with just over half of programs having an annual intake of students. Up to May 2022, 710 students have graduated from genetic counseling training programs across Europe. Of these, 670 students graduated from European Board of Medical Genetics-registered programs. Arranging clinical placements, clinical and counseling supervision of students, research collaboration for MSc research projects and incorporating genomics into the curriculum were identified as current challenges for genetic counseling education. Genetic counseling is still a developing profession in Europe and this historical and current view of the European genetic counselor pathways, allows for educational and professional standards to be examined as the profession evolves into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paneque
- CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - R O Shea
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Genetic Service, St. James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - E Siglen
- Western Norway Familial Cancer Center, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - A Ciuca
- Department of Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A Abulí
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Medicine Genetics Group Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Serra-Juhé
- Genetics Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- U705 CIBERER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Guimarães L, Baião R, Costa C, Lemos M, Henriques MR, Paneque M. Genetic counselling supervision: Luxury or necessity? A qualitative study with genetic healthcare professionals in Portugal. Eur J Med Genet 2024; 67:104908. [PMID: 38143024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant technological evolution in the field of genetics, leading to an increase in the number of professionals working in medical genetics and, consequently, a tremendous growth in genetic counselling. At the same time, there has been a growing recognition of the parameters on which to base a safe practice, not only regarding the technical skills of the professional but also regarding their counselling skills, including relational and empathy skills and the acknowledgement of the emotional impact that genetic counselling practice can have. However, despite this growing knowledge, there are still significant differences between the various European countries, and one area where this discrepancy is particularly evident is genetic counselling supervision. Thus, if there are countries where genetic counselling supervision is not even known by the professionals, there are others where it is mandatory for practice. This research had as an objective to understand if and how genetic counselling supervision is provided in Portugal, to identify routines, challenges and impacts of genetic counselling that should be explored in a supervision process and comprehend how professionals believe supervision should be conducted to be effective. A total of sixteen medical geneticists from main Portuguese genetic services were present in two online focus groups. None of the participants had access to genetic counselling supervision as a programmed routine and there was a consensus that a service of this kind would be particularly important for the professionals as genetic counselling has frequently challenging and emotional moments. Aspects regarding clinical supervision, the characteristics of the supervisor and the practical aspects of genetic counselling supervision implementation were also mentioned during the discussions. These results highlight the relevancy of the establishment of GC supervision routines and standardized guidelines in our country, as well as a need for evidence-based research focused on its impact at professional and practice level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Guimarães
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CGPP - Center for Predictive and Preventive Genetics. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS. School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; AAJUDE - Associação de Apoio à Juventude Deficiente, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ruxanda Baião
- ICBAS. School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Costa
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CGPP - Center for Predictive and Preventive Genetics. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; FMUP - Faculty of Medicine. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marina Lemos
- FPCEUP - Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CPUP - Center of Psychology. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Rangel Henriques
- FPCEUP - Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CPUP - Center of Psychology. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Milena Paneque
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CGPP - Center for Predictive and Preventive Genetics. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS. School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Paneque M, Guimarães L, Bengoa J, Pasalodos S, Cordier C, Esteban I, Lemos C, Moldovan R, Serra-Juhé C. An European overview of genetic counselling supervision provision. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104710. [PMID: 36731744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Genetic testing is becoming more commonplace in general and specialist health care, and should always be accompanied by genetic counselling, according to legislation in many European countries and recommendations by professional bodies. Personal and professional competence is necessary to provide safe and effective genetic counselling. Clinical and counselling supervision of genetics healthcare practitioners plays a key role in quality assurance, providing a safe environment not only for patients but for professionals too. However, in many European countries, genetic counsellors are still an emerging professional group and counselling supervision is not routinely offered and there are no enough evidences on the impact of these insufficiencies. This study aimed to explore the current status of genetic counselling supervision provision across Europe and to ascertain factors that might be relevant for the successful implementation of counselling supervision. A total of 100 practitioners responded to an online survey; respondents were from 18 countries, with the majority working in France (27%) and Spain (17%). Only 34 participants reported having access to genetic counselling supervision. Country of origin, the existence of a regulation system and years of experience were factors identified as relevant, influencing access and characteristics of counselling supervision. Although there is a growing number of genetic counsellors trained at European level, just a few countries have implemented and required as mandatory the access to genetic counselling supervision. Nevertheless, this is essential to ensure a safe and effective genetic counselling and should be regulated at the European genetic healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Paneque
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Lídia Guimarães
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; AAJUDE - Associação de Apoio à Juventude Deficiente, Portugal
| | | | - Sara Pasalodos
- Department of Medical Genetics, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Universidad Publica de Navarra (UPNA), Navarra-biomed-IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | | | - Irene Esteban
- Clinical Genetics Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Carolina Lemos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ramona Moldovan
- Department of Psychology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Romania; Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Clara Serra-Juhé
- Genetics Department, IIB Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08041, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
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Catapano F, El Hachmi M, Ketterer-Heng N, Renieri A, Mari F, Morris M, Cordier C. The role of the Genetic Counsellor in the multidisciplinary team: the perception of geneticists in Europe. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:1432-1438. [PMID: 36198805 PMCID: PMC9712381 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetics has begun to be considered a key medical discipline which can have an impact on everyday clinical practice. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what the most effective way is of caring for people affected by or at risk of genetic disorders. In this context, the team dealing with such patients has evolved with the emergence of the Genetic Counsellor figure. The profession of Genetic Counsellor appeared in Europe in 1980, but it is still a much-debated profession and not yet recognized in all European countries. The aim of this research is to investigate both how a team should be composed in the care of patients affected by or at risk of genetic disorders and what the role of the Genetic Counsellor should be-the field of action and the competences. The research has been carried out at the European level, submitting an online questionnaire to geneticists who, having the ultimate responsibility for the diagnosis and being in the field for the longest time, expressing their opinion, can identify strengths and potential areas for improvement in genetic care. 200 responses were collected from all over Europe. This led to awareness of the importance of the role of the counsellor within the medical genetics multidisciplinary team, and, above all, what the counsellor's skills and qualifications should be-for geneticists. Although this new profession has difficulties in being recognized in some countries, it seems clear that these highly competent professionals are essential for in-patient care and in the multidisciplinary team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Catapano
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
- Department of Genetics, SYNLAB Suisse SA, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Mohamed El Hachmi
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Genetics, SYNLAB Suisse SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Alessandra Renieri
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Mari
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Michael Morris
- Department of Genetics, SYNLAB Suisse SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Cordier
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Genetics, SYNLAB Suisse SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Ciucă A, Moldovan R, Băban A. Developing genetic counselling services in an underdeveloped healthcare setting. J Community Genet 2021; 12:539-548. [PMID: 34545547 PMCID: PMC8554932 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-021-00546-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic counselling services are well established in North America, Western Europe and Australia. In other regions, genetic counselling services are still emerging. Where this is the case, an in-depth understanding of the main stakeholders’ needs, challenges and opportunities will inform the changes and innovations required to bring genetic counselling closer to the community. The present study explored the needs and challenges of patients, family members and professionals with a view to setting up a cancer genetic counselling service in Romania. In order to get a comprehensive outlook, key stakeholders were interviewed using data source triangulation method. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted (13 patients, 11 family members and 10 professionals). Thematic analysis was used to explore and identify needs, barriers and opportunities in emerging cancer genetic counselling services. Three major themes were identified: (1) the “Needs” theme mainly focuses on various types of support that participants mentioned wanting: psychosocial, peer and additional support; (2) the “Challenges” theme includes aspects related to limited access to healthcare, lack of integrated services and pressure on the families; (3) the “Hopes” theme highlights the wish for integrated healthcare and an empathic rapport with healthcare providers. Our findings highlighted the main needs, challenges and hopes the patients, family members and professionals have and provides the groundwork for setting up cancer genetic counselling services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrada Ciucă
- Department of Psychology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ramona Moldovan
- Department of Psychology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. .,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Adriana Băban
- Department of Psychology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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7
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Schwaninger G, Benjamin C, Rudnik‐Schöneborn S, Zschocke J. The genetic counseling profession in Austria: Stakeholders' perspectives. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:861-871. [PMID: 33797821 PMCID: PMC8251832 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to most European countries, genetic counseling in Austria, Germany, and German-speaking Switzerland is exclusively carried out by medical doctors. In this study, we investigate the perspectives of key clinician stakeholders in Austrian genetics services regarding prerequisites, opportunities, and challenges of implementing master's trained genetic counselors. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions and thematic analysis were carried out with nine participants, mostly medical geneticists at different hierarchy levels from three Centers for Medical Genetics in Austria. Several Austrian medical geneticists strongly object to the implementation of non-physician genetic counselors, and representatives of 3/6 medical genetic centers declined to be interviewed. Semantic framing was identified as a critical factor: In German medical language, patient consultations carried out by medical geneticists are generally called 'Genetische Beratung' (genetic counseling), and many medical geneticists see themselves primarily as 'Genetische Berater' (genetic counselors). 'Genetic counseling' is specified as an exclusively medical task in Austrian law. There is apprehension that the introduction of non-physician genetic counselors could reduce quality and undermine the position of medical genetics as a clinical specialty. The situation in Austria resembles that in Germany. Our study highlights the need for a clear definition of roles, expertise, and scope of practice of different genetic professionals. The integration of genetic counselors into Austrian genetics services is most likely acceptable in multi-professional teams, closely affiliated with medical genetic services, and under the medico-legal oversight of medical geneticists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunda Schwaninger
- Institute of Human GeneticsMedical University of InnsbruckAustria
- Centre for Medical EducationSchool of MedicineCardiff UniversityUK
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Dragojlovic N, Borle K, Kopac N, Ellis U, Birch P, Adam S, Friedman JM, Nisselle A, Elliott AM, Lynd LD. The composition and capacity of the clinical genetics workforce in high-income countries: a scoping review. Genet Med 2020; 22:1437-1449. [PMID: 32576987 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-0825-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As genetics becomes increasingly integrated into all areas of health care and the use of complex genetic tests continues to grow, the clinical genetics workforce will likely face greatly increased demand for its services. To inform strategic planning by health-care systems to prepare to meet this future demand, we performed a scoping review of the genetics workforce in high-income countries, summarizing all available evidence on its composition and capacity published between 2010 and 2019. Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PAIS, CINAHL, and Web of Science) and gray literature sources were searched, resulting in 162 unique studies being included in the review. The evidence presented includes the composition and size of the workforce, the scope of practice for genetics and nongenetics specialists, the time required to perform genetics-related tasks, case loads of genetics providers, and opportunities to increase efficiency and capacity. Our results indicate that there is currently a shortage of genetics providers and that there is a lack of consensus about the appropriate boundaries between the scopes of practice for genetics and nongenetics providers. Moreover, the results point to strategies that may be used to increase productivity and efficiency, including alternative service delivery models, streamlining processes, and the automation of tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Dragojlovic
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kennedy Borle
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nicola Kopac
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ursula Ellis
- Woodward Library, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patricia Birch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shelin Adam
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jan M Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amy Nisselle
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Alison M Elliott
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Larry D Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Liehr T, Carreira IM, Balogh Z, Garrido ED, Verdorfer I, Coviello DA, Florentin L, Scheffer H, Rincic M, Williams HE. Regarding the rights and duties of Clinical Laboratory Geneticists in genetic healthcare systems; results of a survey in over 50 countries. Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 27:1168-1174. [PMID: 30923334 PMCID: PMC6777624 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0379-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Specialists of human genetic diagnostics can be divided into four groups: Medical Geneticists (MDG), Genetic Nurses and/or Counsellors (GN/GC), Clinical Laboratory Geneticists (CLG) and Laboratory Genetics Technicians (LGT). While the first two groups are in direct patient contact, the work of the latter two, of equal importance for patient care, are often hidden as they work behind the scenes. Herein the first study on the rights and duties of CLGs is presented. We present the results of a survey performed in 35 European and 18 non-European countries with 100 participating specialists. A national CLG title is available in 60% of European countries, and in 77% of the surveyed European countries a CLG can be the main responsible head of the laboratory performing human genetic tests. However, in only 20% of European countries is a lab-report valid with only a CLGs' signature - even though the report is almost always formulated by the CLG, and an interpretation of the obtained results in a clinical context by the CLG is expected in nearly 90% of European countries. Interestingly, CLGs see patients in 30% of European countries, and are also regularly involved in student education. Overall, the CLG profession includes numerous duties, which are quite similar in all regions of the world. Strikingly, the CLG's rights and responsibilities of leading a lab, or signing a report are regulated differently according to country specific regulations. Overall, the CLG is a well-recognized profession worldwide and often working within a multidisciplinary team of human genetic diagnostics professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Liehr
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Jena, Germany.
| | - Isabel M Carreira
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Research Centre for Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Zsofia Balogh
- Experimental and Translational Pathology Platform, Inserm US23/CNRS UMS3655, AMMICa, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Irmgard Verdorfer
- Division of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Lina Florentin
- Alfalab, Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics Center, Leto Maternity Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Hans Scheffer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Heather E Williams
- Viapath at King's College Hospital, Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Centre, Cytogenetics Laboratory, London, UK
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