Premium
A Model of Professional Development for Practicing Genetic Counselors: Adaptation of Communication Skills Training in Oncology
Author(s) -
Dunlop Kate L.,
BarlowStewart Kristine,
Butow Phyllis,
Heinrich Paul
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/s10897-010-9340-y
Subject(s) - facilitator , communication skills training , professional development , genetic counseling , focus group , medical education , adaptation (eye) , psychology , medicine , communication skills , professional communication , faculty development , social psychology , world wide web , genetics , marketing , neuroscience , biology , computer science , business
Ongoing professional development for practicing genetic counselors is critical in maintaining best practice. Communication skills training (CST) workshops for doctors in oncology, utilizing trained actors in role plays, have been implemented for many years to improve patient‐centred communication. This model was adapted to provide professional development in counseling skills for practicing genetic counselors, already highly trained in counseling skills. Detailed evidence based scenarios were developed. Evaluation of participants’ experience and perceived outcomes on practice included surveys immediately post workshops (2002, 2004, 2005, 2008 (×2); n = 88/97), 2–5 years later (2007; n = 21/38) and a focus group (2007; n = 7). All rated workshops as effective training. Aspects highly valued included facilitator feedback, actors rather than role‐playing with peers and being able to stop and try doing things differently. Perceived outcomes included the opportunity to reflect on practice; bring focus to communication; motivation and confidence. The high level of satisfaction is a strong endorsement for ongoing communication skills training in this format as part of professional development.