Abstract
The increased demand for genetic testing and genetic expertise has shed light on the increased workload that the genetic counselor (GC) workforce is currently facing. While some studies have attempted to explore triaging models and a variety of service delivery models to address this increased workload, solutions are still needed to provide patients with quality routine services that GCs may not be able to continue to provide. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of prenatal GCs on the use of a virtual assistant (V.A.) to provide carrier screening result disclosure. This study was conducted through an online survey asking participants about their views of a demonstrated V.A., their current practices, comfort with their patients receiving results through a V.A., comfort implementing a V.A., and their current workload. Recruitment took place via the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ listserv, social media posts, and snowball sampling, resulting in a total of 14 prenatal GCs participating in this study. The analysis of results showed that most participants felt a V.A. provided a carrier screen result disclosure in a similar manner to how they would conduct this type of session (85.7%, n=12/14), however, they were only comfortable with a V.A. disclosing low risk results. Responses regarding current practices showed that GCs are handling the majority of the workload surrounding carrier screening, and while GCs expressed that a V.A. used in this setting would assist with their workload, they were uncomfortable with potential implementation of a V.A. Our results show that while GCs see the value of using a V.A. for routine tasks such as low risk carrier screen result disclosure, other clinical questions exist. These include further exploration to determine the appropriate amount of clinical information provided by a V.A. as well as the use of a V.A. for high-risk results, such as positive results for X-linked conditions.