Current conditions in medical genetics practice

Abstract

PurposeThis study of current conditions in medical genetics practice is designed to inform public policy development and present possible solutions for improving access to genetic services.MethodsUsing the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Member Directory, membership directories from regional collaborative partners, listservs from national partners, and social media, a 16-question survey was electronically distributed in 2015.ResultsThe responses of 924 genetics professionals and related providers present a snapshot of current practice and an assessment of workforce needs. More than 92% of the respondents (837/910) are involved in clinical care. Among geneticists, 60% spend more than 51% of their time in clinical care. Geneticists reported an average of 10.2 new patients per week and 7.8 follow-up visits per week. More than 62% of geneticists said that their practices were nearly full; 9.4% said that they were not taking new patients. The survey identified more than 100 geneticists and 200 genetic counselor job vacancies. Fewer than 18% of respondents reported use of telemedicine.ConclusionWhen compared with previously published workforce studies, these data show that wait times and average new patient caseloads have increased, while the number of geneticists has not.

Efforts of diversity and inclusion, cultural competency, and equity in the genetic counseling profession: A snapshot and reflection

“…When considering the stagnancy of efforts to increase diversity in the professional workforce, the lack of allotted time, funding, and resources that genetic counselors experience must be acknowledged. The workforce is currently overburdened given the shortage of trained genetic counselors in the face of service demands (Maiese, Keehn, Lyon, Flannery, & Watson, 2019). Moreover, the pursuits of diversity outreach, DICE program development, research, and analysis are largely being done beyond formal workplace responsibilities, which is reflected by the number of survey respondents who mentioned their personal desire and even personal finances as the backbone to their DICE projects.…”

Development of an Evidence-Based, Theory-Informed National Survey of Physician Preparedness for Genomic Medicine and Preferences for Genomics Continuing Education

“…Genomic medicine is increasingly present in clinical practice, requiring non-genetic medical specialists to 'develop and expand' expertise (Burton, 2011;Burton et al, 2017;Gaff et al, 2017). As the growing use of genomic investigations is rapidly exceeding the capacity of the clinical genetics workforce (Slade et al, 2016;Maiese et al, 2019), different approaches to the practice of genomic medicine will be needed. Consequently, it is likely non-genetic medical specialists will need to alter their current practices and behaviors to incorporate genomic medicine, with some taking on tasks previously in the remit of genetic health professionals (Bowdin et al, 2016;Ormond et al, 2019).…”

Regional models of genetic services in the United States

“…These sessions, with more than 250 participants, formed the basis for the NCC and NGECN-led national needs assessment surveys conducted in late 2015 with consumers, genetics professionals, public health, and primary care professionals (NCC provider survey, fall 2015, 924 respondents; NGECN consumer survey, fall 2015, 1355 respondents). Data from the surveys were provided to the WG and AC 13 and were analyzed to identify priorities for future regional genetic services support centers. Based on the priorities identified from the needs assessment surveys, the WG developed an initial set of 25 components to be included in future regional genetics services support centers.…”