Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had compelled a wide range of healthcare services, including genetic counseling, to transition to a virtual model in 2020. This study employed interviews as an empirical approach to explore the clinical genetic counselor’s (GCs) preferences for using telehealth and its potential impact on their careers, post-COVID. Through semi-structured interviews, ten clinical GCs from across the US discussed the benefits and limitations of telehealth to their careers, their ideal work approach, and potential barriers to implementation of telehealth, post-COVID. Data showed that all GCs indicated a strong preference for using telehealth through a hybrid approach, post-COVID. The main reason to incorporate remote work days is the efficiency and flexibility afforded by it. Common obstacles included the increase in administrative work, institutional policies, technological resources, state licensure and insurance reimbursement. This early qualitative data may help guide future discussions on best practices to promote an efficient and desirable work environment for clinical GCs, post-COVID. For employers and institutions, it sheds light on evolving provider preferences for a work approach, which can potentially help attract and retain skilled clinical genetic counselors.