Rethinking genetic counseling clinical skills training in the time of COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on clinical training programs, including genetic counseling graduate programs. The University of Arizona Genetic Counseling Graduate Program responded to limited clinical training opportunities by designing a virtual Clinical Skills Workshop for incoming genetic counseling students. During the workshop, students were introduced to psychosocial and clinical genetics skills through virtual lectures, role-play, and practice sessions, as well as assignments. Program evaluation of the Clinical Skills Workshop demonstrated better preparation of key clinical skills prior to starting clinical rotations and highlighted areas for improvement in future iterations. Although this workshop was developed in response to clinical restrictions due to COVID-19, this approach to providing incoming students with basic clinical skills has been a valuable addition to the UAGCGP curriculum.

Keywords: COVID-19; education; genetic counseling; program evaluation.

FIGURE 1

Average observed proficiency by clinical supervisors. Four clinical supervisors who worked with UAGCGP students assessed the degree to which the program prepared students in several clinical skill areas. Higher scores indicate higher level of perceived preparation and proficiency at the start of clinical rotations. Gray bars show average scores for students prior to instituting the CSW, and white bars show the same in students who have taken the CSW. The error bars represent the standard deviation