Abstract
In-person genetic counseling services have been impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. One strategy during this time to accommodate government/ hospital regulations and provide continuity of care has been to adopt a telemedicine service delivery modality. There is an assumption that telemedicine improves access to patient care services such as genetic counseling. However, few research studies have investigated access to care among different patient groups. This study investigated the perspectives of cancer genetic counselors with telemedicine models of service delivery and how they have impacted underserved patient groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants. Interview questions explored the experiences of cancer genetic counselors with their patient populations, the transitions their clinics went through with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the benefits and limitations of the different service delivery models for their patients. Three themes emerged: 1) Facilitators, including the subthemes of decreased patient no-show rate, less patient stress and anxiety surrounding genetics visits, and reduced logistical barriers; 2) Barriers, including the subthemes of issues with technology, limited resources, sample collection issues, and limited English proficiency; and 3) Comparison of Telemedicine Models, including the subthemes of phone counseling, video counseling comparable to in-person counseling, and distractibility of patients. The results of the study expand the literature focused on underserved patient groups in genetic counseling and provide guidance for improving quality and experiences via telemedicine models in the profession moving forward.