Elaboration of the Reciprocal-Engagement Model of Genetic Counseling Practice: a Qualitative Investigation of Goals and Strategies

AbstractAs the genetic counseling field evolves, a comprehensive model of practice is critical. The Reciprocal-Engagement Model (REM) consists of 5 tenets and 17 goals. Lacking in the REM, however, are well-articulated counselor strategies and behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to further elaborate and provide supporting evidence for the REM by identifying and mapping genetic counseling strategies to the REM goals. A secondary, qualitative analysis was conducted on data from two prior studies: 1) focus group results of genetic counseling outcomes (Redlinger-Grosse et al.,Journal of Genetic Counseling,2015); and 2) genetic counselors ’ examples of successful and unsuccessful genetic counseling sessions (Geiser et al.2009). Using directed content analysis, 337 unique strategies were extracted from focus group data. A Q-sort of the 337 strategies yielded 15 broader strategy domains that were then mapped to the successful and unsuccessful session examples. Differing prevalence of strategy domains identified in successful sessions versus the prevalence of domains identified aslacking in unsuccessful sessions provide further support for the REM goals. The most prevalent domains for successful sessions wereInformation Giving andUse Psychosocial Skills and Strategies; and for unsuccessful sessions,Information Giving andEstablish Working Alliance. Identified strategies support the REM ’s reciprocal nature, especially with regard to addressing patients’ informational...

Source: Journal of Genetic Counseling - June 22, 2017 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research