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. 2021 Mar;187(1):28-36.
doi: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31855. Epub 2020 Nov 23.

Experiences from the epicenter: Professional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on genetic counselors in New York

Katherine L Bergstrom  1 , Tehilla E Brander  2 , Kelsey E Breen  3 , Hetanshi Naik  2
Affiliations

Experiences from the epicenter: Professional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on genetic counselors in New York

Katherine L Bergstrom et al. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the delivery of healthcare services, including genetic counseling. This study assessed the professional impact of the pandemic on genetic counselors (GCs) and evaluated how genetics service delivery models changed in New York State (NYS). One hundred sixty-five NYS GCs participated in an anonymous survey. Clinic structure, telegenetics (video and/or telephone consultations) use and acceptability, and professional practices before and during the pandemic were compared. The most frequently reported consultation type shifted from in-person only (49%) before the pandemic to telegenetics only (39%) during. Most were satisfied with video (93.1%) and telephone (81.4%) telegenetics. Additionally, 93.5% of participants expressed a desire to continue using telegenetics after the pandemic resolves. Common obstacles included difficulties coordinating sample collection (60.2%) and obtaining written consent for testing (57.6%). Billing methods for consultations during the pandemic did not change significantly. Participants were asked about NYS's lack of licensure, which restricts billing options. Most felt that genetic counseling licensure would benefit the profession (92.6%), the public (88.5%), and their institution/company (74.5%). This study provides insight into the effects of the rapid adoption of telegenetics and can guide future discussions about best practices for its use even after the health crisis resolves.

Keywords: delivery of health care; genetic counseling; licensure; telemedicine.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Genetic Counseling Service Modalities Prior to and During the COVID‐19 Pandemic. Consultation modalities utilized before (a, N = 121) and after (b, N = 100) the “NYS on PAUSE” executive order. Data expressed as percentage (%) of participants utilizing in person (white), video (grey), or telephone (striped) consultations. Participants utilizing more than one modality are represented by overlapping areas
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Influence of Work Experience on Satisfaction with Telegenetics and Interest in Remote Patient Care. (a) Satisfaction with telephone and video telegenetics measured by years of experience as a rank continuous variable. Satisfaction with telephone and video telegenetics were significantly different by years of experience, p = .008 and p <.0001, respectively. (b) Continued interest in remote patient care after the COVID‐19 pandemic resolves by years of experience. Sample sizes of experience groups are as follows: <1 n = 9; 1–3 n = 28; 4–6 n = 22; 7–9 n = 7; 10–14 n = 9; 15–19 n = 3; 20+ n = 14
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