Date of Award

5-2015

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

MS Human Genetics

Department

Human Genetics Graduate Program

Abstract

Interdisciplinary skills are a competency for all genetic counselors, however, there are no Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) standards dictating the implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) within genetic counseling programs. Formal IPE is available to select institutions associated with Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs. This is the first research relating to IPE for genetic counseling students. We assessed IP skills and attitudes of former LEND-Genetics fellows (n=8) at the Rose F. Kennedy Center using the Team Skills Scale (TSS) and Attitude Toward Health Care Teams (ATHCT) scale. The mean TSS score was 79.8. The mean ATHCT score was 83.2, while the mean team efficiency and team value subscale scores were 78.3 and 84.5. To assess the outcomes of the LEND-Genetics program nationally, we performed a retrospective analysis of 210 archived follow-up surveys given to fellows after program completion. These data revealed that the majority of fellows are working with maternal child health, underserved and vulnerable populations. They’re more likely to work for government agencies and less likely to work in the private sector than other genetic counselors. The majority (85%) reported performing leadership activities. This assessment shows that the LEND-Genetics program is achieving its aims. We hope the success of the LEND-Genetics program will inform and encourage the creation of future ACGC IPE standards.

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