Assessment of allied health graduates' preparation to integrate genetic knowledge and skills into clinical practice

Abstract

Allied health professionals are in a unique position to address the concerns of and provide information to clients with genetic disorders. This study assessed the preparation of recent graduates of allied health training programs to provide these services by determining their (1) professional practices, (2) confidence in performing skills that require genetic knowledge, (3) extent of genetic training, and (4) interest in genetic topics. A survey was sent to 698 alumni of six allied health training programs who graduated between 1997 and spring 2002 from a midwestern university. A total of 235 alumni responded to the survey (34%). Forty-three percent of respondents reported discussing at least one of eight topics, such as patterns of inheritance, recurrence risks, genetic testing, and characteristics of genetic conditions and/or prognosis. Referrals for genetic services were made by 12.6% of respondents. Of the 10 genetic assessment, counseling, and referral skills that were assessed, eliciting family history was the skill most commonly performed. Many respondents discussed the genetic basis of disorders, provided guidance to clients about the impact of their condition, and corrected misconceptions. Only 22% of the respondents rated the amount of genetic knowledge/skills covered in training as satisfactory, and 78% rated it as marginal or none. However, there is strong interest in genetic topics, especially related to common disorders. A correlation was found between the respondents' training and confidence in performing these skills. Allied health professionals are providing genetic-related services in clinical settings. However, sufficient instruction in genetic knowledge and skills is not being provided in their undergraduate and graduate training programs. Preservice and continuing educational interventions designed to prepare allied health professionals for the genetic age are needed. This study establishes baseline data regarding professional practices and perceived clinical confidence related to genetics that can be used to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of future educational interventions.