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. 2017 Nov;19(11):1260-1267.
doi: 10.1038/gim.2017.45. Epub 2017 Apr 27.

A novel approach in pediatric telegenetic services: geneticist, pediatrician and genetic counselor team

Shobana Kubendran  1 , Siddharthan Sivamurthy  1 , Gerald Bradley Schaefer  1
Affiliations

A novel approach in pediatric telegenetic services: geneticist, pediatrician and genetic counselor team

Shobana Kubendran et al. Genet Med. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

PurposeOur aim was to improve access to genetic services in an underserved region by developing a collaborative telegenetic service delivery model with a pediatrician, medical geneticist, and genetics counselor (GC).MethodsProtocols for the evaluation of common genetic indications were developed. Patients referred with indications suggestive of a syndromic etiology were scheduled to see the geneticist directly via telegenetics. Other patients were scheduled to see the pediatrician and GC in person before follow-up with the geneticist if indicated. Patients seen by the geneticist and/or pediatrician/GC were enumerated and the next available appointment was tracked. Patient satisfaction surveys were conducted.ResultsOf the 265 patients evaluated during the study period, 116 (44%) were evaluated by a pediatrician and GC in person first, after which 82 (71% of those evaluated) required further follow-up with the geneticist. The next available appointment with a pediatrician and GC never exceeded 6 weeks, while new appointments with a geneticist ranged from 3 to 9 months. All patients reported high satisfaction with this genetic service model.ConclusionThe pediatrician/GC clinic provides a model of collaborative care that is a medical home neighbor and exemplifies the integration of genetics into primary care. The telegenetics clinic offers a viable solution to providing competent and convenient access to a geneticist for patients in chronically underserved regions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overlapping and complimentary roles of the pediatrician, genetic counselor and geneticist in the telegenetics clinic. Adapted with permission from Williamson L and LeBlanc DB, 2008.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Referral and follow up flow chart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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