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01-06-2017 | Review Paper

A Rapid Systematic Review of Outcomes Studies in Genetic Counseling

Authors: Lisa Madlensky, Angela M. Trepanier, Deborah Cragun, Barbara Lerner, Kristen M. Shannon, Heather Zierhut

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 3/2017

Abstract

As healthcare reimbursement is increasingly tied to value-of-service, it is critical for the genetic counselor (GC) profession to demonstrate the value added by GCs through outcomes research. We conducted a rapid systematic literature review to identify outcomes of genetic counseling. Web of Science (including PubMed) and CINAHL databases were systematically searched to identify articles meeting the following criteria: 1) measures were assessed before and after genetic counseling (pre-post design) or comparisons were made between a GC group vs. a non-GC group (comparative cohort design); 2) genetic counseling outcomes could be assessed independently of genetic testing outcomes, and 3) genetic counseling was conducted by masters-level genetic counselors, or non-physician providers. Twenty-three papers met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were in the cancer genetic setting and the most commonly measured outcomes included knowledge, anxiety or distress, satisfaction, perceived risk, genetic testing (intentions or receipt), health behaviors, and decisional conflict. Results suggest that genetic counseling can lead to increased knowledge, perceived personal control, positive health behaviors, and improved risk perception accuracy as well as decreases in anxiety, cancer-related worry, and decisional conflict. However, further studies are needed to evaluate a wider array of outcomes in more diverse genetic counseling settings.

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Title: A Rapid Systematic Review of Outcomes Studies in Genetic Counseling
Authors: Lisa Madlensky
Angela M. Trepanier
Deborah Cragun
Barbara Lerner
Kristen M. Shannon
Heather Zierhut
Publication date: 01-06-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-017-0067-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A Rapid Systematic Review of Outcomes Studies in Genetic Counseling

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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