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01-04-2018 | PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

How Might the Genetics Profession Better Utilize Social Media

Authors: Rebekah A. Moore, Anne L. Matthews, Leslie Cohen

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Social media is a common method of communication in people’s personal lives and professional settings. Gallagher et al. (2016) recommended, “it is time for genetic counselors to embrace social media as a means of communicating with patients or other healthcare professionals.” Full members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) in the USA and Canada and genetics patients in Cleveland, OH, were surveyed to determine interest in using social media for patient-provider interactions. Both cohorts indicated that patient privacy and confidentiality would be a concern; however, survey results indicated patients would be interested in using social media to receive general information about genetic counseling and to learn about genetics services. Genetic counselors indicated privacy issues were not concerning if social media were to be used in this capacity. The majority of genetic counselor participants (88.7%) indicated they would welcome national guidelines for patient-provider social media use. Data from this study demonstrated that sharing what to expect at a genetic counseling appointment, defining genetic counseling, and announcing community outreach events are possible ways genetic counselors could utilize social media to communicate with and educate patients.

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Title: How Might the Genetics Profession Better Utilize Social Media
Authors: Rebekah A. Moore
Anne L. Matthews
Leslie Cohen
Publication date: 01-04-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-018-0215-y

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