Tse Desiree M S, Chung Brian H Y, Chu Annie T W
Hong Kong Genome Institute, Hong Kong, China.
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
J Hum Genet. 2025 May;70(5):233-241. doi: 10.1038/s10038-025-01321-5. Epub 2025 Mar 14.
Genetic counselling plays a crucial role in the genomic era, assisting in disease risk determination, diagnosis and management. The lack of an accredited local training program for genetic counselling in Hong Kong has led to pragmatic on-the-job training and diverse practice models. In view of the needs for enhanced awareness in genomic counselling practices among healthcare professionals, a collaborative effort - the Hong Kong Genetic Counselling Practice Consortium - was initiated to develop genomic medicine in Hong Kong. A thematic analysis of genetic counselling practice across 15 regions was conducted, revealing a broad consistency in the scope of duties, with minor differences due to social and cultural influences. Genetic counsellors generally follow a similar protocol, but some approaches vary. Ethical considerations for genetic counsellors are discussed, highlighting their responsibility towards themselves, colleagues, clients, and society. The scope of practice and code of ethics were developed to highlight the key areas of practice duties; guide the conduct of genetic counsellors; and support local counsellors in their professional training, ultimately contributing to the advancement of genomic science and health benefit of the people of Hong Kong.
遗传咨询在基因组时代发挥着关键作用，有助于疾病风险判定、诊断及管理。香港缺乏经认可的本地遗传咨询培训项目，这导致了务实的在职培训及多样的执业模式。鉴于医疗保健专业人员提高基因组咨询实践意识的需求，香港发起了一项合作努力——香港遗传咨询实践联盟，以在香港发展基因组医学。对15个地区的遗传咨询实践进行了主题分析，结果显示职责范围具有广泛的一致性，因社会和文化影响存在细微差异。遗传咨询师通常遵循类似的流程，但有些方法有所不同。文中讨论了遗传咨询师的伦理考量，强调了他们对自身、同事、客户及社会的责任。制定了执业范围和道德准则，以突出执业职责的关键领域；指导遗传咨询师的行为；支持本地咨询师的专业培训，最终推动基因组科学的进步及香港民众的健康福祉。
