Issues, challenges, and future perspectives of genetic counseling in Republic of Korea: Perspectives of laboratory physicians based on a 2022 survey

The committee of Genetic Counseling in Korean Society for Genetic Diagnostics (KSGD)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The field of genetic counseling (GC) in the Republic of Korea has evolved from a single medical doctor's clinic to a multidisciplinary service with medical geneticists and non-medical professionals working as a team. Here, we assessed the current status of GC in the Republic of Korea based on professional surveys from the perspective of laboratory physicians. An electronic survey was designed and conducted, with the respondents being 50 certified laboratory physicians who were members of the Korean Society for Genetic Diagnostics. Among the 50 respondents, 12 (24%) operated GC clinics. The number of sessions and cases of GC have been on the rise over the last few years, and counseling for cancer genetics was the most common request. Most respondents considered a good understanding of the genetic test and the ability to interpret the test results as strengths of laboratory physicians as medical geneticists, while the lack of clinical experience was a weakness. Education programs regarding laboratory physicians' needs should be provided for high-quality counseling. Lastly, improving the efficiency of GC by strengthening the workforce through a multidisciplinary team is necessary.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1351-1357
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling
Volume33
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Keywords

  • education
  • genetic counseling
  • laboratory physician, professional survey
  • multidisciplinary

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