WMJ Vol 121 Issue 1: Telehealth in Genetics: The Genetic Counselor Perspective on the Utility of Telehealth in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Wisconsin

ABSTRACT

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many genetics clinics across the country were prompted to integrate telephone visits and videoconferencing into their practice to promote the safety of patients and clinic staff members. Our study examined providers’ perspectives on the utility and effectiveness of these telehealth-based clinic visits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin.

Methods: An anonymous Qualtrics survey was distributed via email in October 2020 to all members of the Wisconsin Genetic Systems Integration Hub and the Wisconsin Genetic Counselor Association. Current clinical genetic providers were eligible to participate in the survey. The survey assessed providers’ experiences and perceptions toward utilizing telehealth in delivering clinical genetic services to their patients during the pandemic.

Results: Forty-seven currently practicing clinical genetic counselors in Wisconsin either partially or fully completed the survey. Nearly all respondents somewhat (23%) or strongly (75%) wanted to incorporate telehealth in the future, primarily because of perceived improvements in clinic functioning. Patients with suboptimal telecommunications capacities were considered the most challenging aspect of telehealth, and better technology support was the most frequently cited strategy for addressing current telehealth limitations.

Conclusion: Clinical genetic counselors in Wisconsin generally reported positive experiences integrating telehealth into their patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many counselors see telehealth as a way to increase access to genetic services and, with better technology support from their intuitions, would support utilizing telehealth in their clinical practice.

Intended Audience

The target audience for this journal-based activity is healthcare providers caring for the people and communities of Wisconsin and beyond.

Learning Objectives

As a result of this journal-based activity, learners will be able to:

  1. Summarize the results of a survey study that explored the perspectives of clinical genetic providers regarding utility and effectiveness of telehealth and changes in their perspectives between early COVID-19 spread and Fall of 2020.
  2. Elaborate on opportunities to identify and employ effective ways of optimizing genetic services delivered via telehealth.
  3. Reflect on challenging aspects of telehealth and strategies to address them in the learner’s clinical practice.
    Course summary
    Available credit: 
    • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    • 1.00 University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Education Hours
      • 1.00 Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    Registration opens: 
    02/24/2023
    Course expires: 
    02/23/2024
    Cost:
    $0.00
    Part of: 
    Wisconsin Medical Journal Volume 121
    Rating: 
    0

    FACULTY DISCLOSURE

    It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP) to identify, mitigate and disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies* held by the speakers/presenters, authors, planners, and other persons who may influence content of this accredited continuing education (CE). In addition, speakers, presenters and authors must disclose any planned discussion of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation.

    For this accredited continuing education activity all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated and detailed disclosures are listed below.

    Name of IndividualIndividual's Role in Activity

    Financial Relationship Disclosure

    Discussion of
    Unlabeled/Unapproved
    Uses of Drugs/Devices
    in Presentation?

    Marianna Shershneva, MD, PhDAccreditation SpecialistNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Sarah H. Choi, MGCSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Marwat N. Salamin, BSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Catherine A. Reiser, MSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Lauren E. Rachow, BSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Michael R. Lasarev, MSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    M. Stephen Meyn, MD, PhDAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Elizabeth M. Petty, MDAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Karol Kremens, MDReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Jutta Novalija, MD, PhDReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Rohini Garg, MBBSReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
    Robert Treat, PhDEditorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo

    *Ineligible companies are those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on, patients.

    The ACCME does not consider providers of clinical services directly to patients to be ineligible companies.

    Discloser List CME Internal Report

    Accreditation

    Accreditation Statement

    Jointly Accredited Provider LogoIn support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP and the Wisconsin Medical Journal.  The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.


    Credit Designation Statements

    American Medical Association (AMA)

    The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP designates this journal-based CE activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
    Continuing Education Units

    The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP, as a member of the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), authorizes this program for 0.1 continuing education units (CEUs) or 1 hour.

    Available Credit

    • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    • 1.00 University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Education Hours
      • 1.00 Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    Cost:
    $0.00
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