McDowell Kimberly, Wetherill Leah, Pollock Bethany, Halverson Colin, Ivanovich Jennifer
Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 975 W. Walnut Street IB130, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
Department of Maternal Fetal Health, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, USA.
J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2024 Oct 9. doi: 10.1007/s40615-024-02194-8.
This study investigates the preparedness of genetic counselors in addressing the potentially unique elements and considerations of Indigenous patients in the United States and Canada. Considering the healthcare disparities Indigenous populations face, particularly in specialty care, this study aims to assess the preparedness of genetic counselors in addressing the unique needs and cultural considerations of Indigenous patients. An online survey was utilized, and a subset of participants was selected to be interviewed. Results reveal genetic counselors felt less competent with Indigenous patients compared to non-Indigenous patients, especially in specific aspects of genetic counseling such as responding to cultural issues or identifying resources. Factors such as increased years of experience and more exposure to Indigenous populations during graduate training correlated with higher self-rated competency. Despite a patient population that is on average 7% Indigenous by self-report, genetic counselors lacked exposure to Indigenous encounters in graduate programs and professional training. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing genetic counseling education and exposure to Indigenous training opportunities such as voluntary events or Indigenous guest speakers to improve cultural competency and address healthcare disparities for Indigenous communities.
本研究调查了遗传咨询师应对美国和加拿大原住民患者潜在独特因素及考量的准备情况。鉴于原住民群体面临的医疗保健差异，尤其是在专科护理方面，本研究旨在评估遗传咨询师应对原住民患者独特需求和文化考量的准备情况。采用了在线调查，并挑选了一部分参与者进行访谈。结果显示，与非原住民患者相比，遗传咨询师感觉应对原住民患者的能力较弱，尤其是在遗传咨询的特定方面，如应对文化问题或识别资源。经验年限增加以及在研究生培训期间更多接触原住民群体等因素与更高的自我评估能力相关。尽管据自我报告平均有7%的患者为原住民，但遗传咨询师在研究生课程和专业培训中缺乏与原住民接触的机会。这些发现强调了加强遗传咨询教育以及增加参与诸如志愿活动或原住民客座演讲者等原住民培训机会的重要性，以提高文化能力并解决原住民社区的医疗保健差异问题。
