Ann Lab Med.  2020 May;40(3):232-237. 10.3343/alm.2020.40.3.232.

Genetic Counseling Status and Perspectives Based on a 2018 Professional Survey in Korea

• Kim J
• Kong SY
• Han SH
• Kim JW
• Jeon CH
• Yoo J

• KMID: 2466016
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2020.40.3.232

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Genetic counseling (GC) provides many benefits, including the identification of patients appropriate for testing, patient education, and medical management. We evaluated the current status of and challenges faced by GC practitioners in Korean hospitals.
METHODS
An electronic survey was designed and conducted in 52 certified laboratory physicians belonging to the Korean Society of Laboratory Medicine, from August to September 2018. The questionnaires addressed three main categories of information: (1) current status of GC in hospitals; (2) essential qualifications of GC practitioners; and (3) challenges and perspectives for GC. Fisher's exact test was applied to analyze categorical data.
RESULTS
Among a total of 52 participants who initially responded, 12 (23.1%) were performing GC either by direct or indirect care. GC clinics were opened regularly for one (33.3%) or more than three sessions (25.0%) per week; most respondents spent more time for pre-visit activities than in-person visits, both for a initial visit patient and for a follow-up visit patient. All laboratory physicians provided genetic information to their patients. Most recommended family genetic testing when indicated (91.7%), discussed disease management (75.0%), and/or ordered additional genetic testing (58.3%), and some referred patients to other specialists (8.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
Both patients and laboratory physicians concede the advantage of GC performed by clinical geneticists; however, the practice of GC involves several challenges and raises some concerns. The cost and support required to implement GC need to be addressed in order to provide qualified GC in Korea.

Keyword

Genetic counseling; Genetic testing; Laboratory physician; Survey

MeSH Terms

Disease Management
Follow-Up Studies
Genetic Counseling*
Genetic Testing
Humans
Korea*
Patient Education as Topic
Specialization
Surveys and Questionnaires

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