“I Didn't Know It Existed Before You Called”: Protestant Clergy Experience, Education and Perceptions Regarding Genetics

Abstract

Despite the intrinsic role religious/spiritual (hereafter, R/S) beliefs have in patient clinical decision-making and crisis coping, there is little research exploring the relationship that exists between clergy (professionals who provide R/S counsel and guidance) and genetic counseling patients. This qualitative, exploratory study was designed to explore Protestant clergy (N=8) perceptions of and experience with genetics-related issues. Data analysis revealed that a wide range of R/S perceptions regarding genetics-related issues exist within Protestantism, Protestant clergy have a basic understanding of genetic testing and conditions, and while directive counseling is inherent to Protestant clergy counseling, there appears to exist two opposing styles: unbiased and biased. Based on this information, there are two main implications for genetic counseling clinical practice. First, R/S assessments need to be increasingly implemented into genetic counseling sessions, so that the psychosocial needs of patients with specific R/S beliefs can be identified and addressed. An increase in R/S assessments may be accomplished by increased exposure in genetic counselor training, continuing education opportunities, and by establishing relationships with board-certified, professional chaplains. Second, genetic counselors can influence the genetic education and experience of clergy by raising awareness within their own R/S assemblies. Doing so can also serve to further educate genetic counselors in the R/S beliefs of their own traditions, thus increasing sensitivity, empathy and the quality of care provided.

Spiritual Exploration in the Prenatal Genetic Counseling Session

“…Possessing a basic knowledge of general denominational stances on major issues encountered in prenatal genetic counseling, such as termination and other issues presented in the work of Rebecca Rae Anderson (2009), would be a valuable asset to a genetic counselor as he or she helps patients navigate the reconciliation of their personal faith with their pregnancy decision-making. Genetic counselors are uniquely trained to present complicated medical information and prompt thoughtful discussion of difficult decisions within the context of patients' belief and value systems; therefore, understanding the role of spirituality or faith for a patient can help the counselor better facilitate all types of decision making and address their patients' concerns with greater empathy (Seth et al 2011;Lemons et al 2013). This study gives reassurance to those genetic counselors hesitant to perform spiritual assessments out of fear of where the conversation will lead, since most patients do not appear to wish to discuss R/S issues that do not directly pertain to their pregnancy situation.…”

“…Therefore, a referral to hospital chaplaincy or area religious leaders may be appropriate for those in spiritual struggle since exploring these issues from a theological perspective outside of their direct relation to the pregnancy is not within the genetic counseling scope. Thus, genetic counselors would be wise to establish good working relationships with the chaplains at their institution, and be ready to co-counsel or make referrals as appropriate (Lemons et al 2013).…”

Experiences of faith group members using new reproductive and genetic technologies: A qualitative interview study

“…To provide all this requires financial and other resources, and we recognise the constraints on these. But crucial to remedying the concerns identified in this paper is a heightened alertness to faith issues on the part of healthcare professionals, and a willingness to engage with patients on these issues where appropriate (Dutney, 2007;Lemons, Ragsdale, Vaughn, & Grossoehme, 2012).…”