Experiences from the epicenter: Professional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on genetic counselors in New York
Experiences from the epicenter: Professional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on genetic counselors in New York
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DOI：
10.1002/ajmg.c.31855
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发表时间：
2020-11-23
影响因子：
3.1
通讯作者：
Naik, Hetanshi
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Bergstrom, Katherine L.;Brander, Tehilla E.;Naik, Hetanshi
COVID-19大流行扰乱了医疗服务的提供，包括遗传咨询。本研究评估了大流行对遗传咨询师（GC）的专业影响，并评估了纽约州（NYS）遗传服务提供模式的变化。165名纽约州GC参与了一项匿名调查。诊所结构，远程遗传学（视频和/或电话咨询）的使用和可接受性，以及专业的做法之前和期间的大流行进行了比较。最常报告的咨询类型从大流行前的面对面咨询（49%）转变为大流行期间的远程遗传咨询（39%）。大多数人对视频（93.1%）和电话（81.4%）的远程遗传学感到满意。此外，93.5%的参与者表示希望在大流行结束后继续使用远程遗传学。常见的障碍包括难以协调样本收集（60.2%）和获得检测的书面同意（57.6%）。大流行期间，门诊收费方式没有发生重大变化。参与者被问及纽约证券交易所缺乏许可证，这限制了计费选项。大多数人认为遗传咨询执照将有利于专业（92.6%），公众（88.5%）和他们的机构/公司（74.5%）。这项研究提供了深入了解快速采用远程遗传学的影响，并可以指导未来讨论其使用的最佳实践，即使在健康危机解决后。
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.