- Based on your readings, how do you think developments in genomics would influence the further development of genetic counseling?
Genetic Counseling based on the readings is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. Its field is evolving and is adapting to technological advances. Along with it are the new advances in genetic and genomic testing including sequencing and the direct-to-consumer tests. This will impact the development of genetic counseling. From training to practice, the roles of genetic counselors will expand, while still having the core elements and principles needed for effective genetic counseling.
Genetic counselors are still going to be the stakeholders come the shift of genomic medicine. They will still make important contributions to the delivery of comprehensive informational knowledge and psychosocial support. The patient-centered genetic education, informed consent, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, along with psychosocial support are still going to be given to the patient and the family. The scope of what is included in genetic counseling will widen but this will be effective towards the benefit of the patient and the family.
- In which areas would be most impacted and how genetic counselors can adapt to these impacts?
As the genomic sequencing based tests become highly available and affordable, the field of genetic counseling will have to adapt in response to this technology shift. Genetic counselors will have to learn the challenges of direct-to-consumer (DTC) and consumer-driven genetic testing. As these tests become more and more available to consumers, there will be an increased demand for genetic counseling services. The need to diversify patient with genetic information and genetic counselors is needed to be at the front of training programs.
To adapt to the revolution of genomic tests, the genetic counselor will need to include DTC testing patients. In consumer-driven genetic testing, requests are being driven by physicians, specialists, genetic specialists. Genetic counseling practices will need to identify new and novel ways to support a consumer-driven age. Genetic counselors must include the personal physicians in the discussion. In addition, the sphere of specialists including all providers should be widened. Another way to adapt to changes would be to engage counselors in research. They should be encouraged and supported the research interests of genetic counselors. Funding may be provided or increased to allow opportunities for the genetic counselors.