Group Genetic Counseling for Low-Risk Prenatal Patients
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Authors
Hopkins, Sarah
Issue Date
2019-05-01
Type
thesis_campus
Language
Keywords
Genetics
Other Genetics and Genomics
Alternative Title
Human Genetics Theses
Abstract
Education about genetic screening and diagnostic testing has become a routine part of recommended prenatal care in the United States. However, lack of access to these services persist. Genetic counseling delivered in a group setting could increase access to care. While the group model of delivering genetic counseling has been established and studied in cancer genetics, little research has been published on group genetic counseling in the prenatal setting. This study tests the feasibility of group genetic counseling for low-risk pregnant women in Montefiore Medical Center, in the Bronx, New York. Patients seen in group sessions were compared to patients seen individually. No differences were seen in patient demographics between individual and group setting patients. On six domains of patient satisfaction, no significant differences were detected between intervention and control group. Private and public insurance companies reimbursed Montefiore Medical Center for the group genetic counseling sessions for 8 out of 49 patients (16%). Reimbursed amounts ranged from $77 to $143.10 per patient. The study shows the feasibility of group genetic counseling for low-risk, prenatal patients in an urban, academic health center.