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Abstract #161334

Maya Rom, PhD, Department of Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, 411 E. 69th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10021, 917-658-1662, mr2035@columbia.edu

Women's pregnancies are now associated with a constant notion of risk, with genetic testing and reproductive technologies becoming a routine part of conception and prenatal care. It is commonly accepted that the medical community will need genetic services, and specifically genetic counselors, to translate and make sense of what is often complicated information about risk and susceptibility of genetic conditions. Although genetic counselors have become a central part of genetic services, there has been little research done on their exact role within the current purview of medicine, specifically how they can be better utilized in navigating the complex field of reproductive technologies. A study utilizing 39 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with genetic counselors, clinical geneticists, obstetricians, and key informants in the genetics field was conducted in order to better understand how genetic counselors are utilized in helping people make decisions about reproductive technologies. Respondents interviewed for this study underscored the public's lack of understanding or awareness of genetics, and the ability of genetic counselors to provide an important service in educating patients and physicians about the complexity of genetic testing and new reproductive technologies. Genetic counselors have the scientific expertise in genetics as well as the communication skills to help patients understand the terminology of genetic testing and technology and guide them in making an informed decision in a non-directive manner. This study demonstrated the importance utilizing genetic counselors within reproductive health and ensuring that they are properly integrated into patient care.

Learning Objectives: From this presentation, participants will be able to

• identify the current role genetic counselors in helping people understand new reproductive technologies;
• recognize that genetic counselors are an important resource in navigating new reproductive technologies; and 3)discuss how to better utilize genetic counselors in reproductive health and integrate them into patient care

Keywords: New Technology, Genetics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.