RACHEL VEAZEY

CAPSTONE

Capstone Project Committee:  Alexandra Henshaw, M.S., CGC; Rebecca Littlejohn, M.S., CGC; Randi Stewart, M.S., CGC

Background: Previous research has assessed the increasing need for interpreters in healthcare and the impact that Spanish-speaking interpreters have on physician-patient relationships.  Minimal research has focused on the impact upon genetic counseling.

Purpose: Goals of this study were to assess the impact that Spanish-speaking interpreters have on the genetic counseling process from the perspective of genetic counselors, and to describe strategies used to improve interpreting outcomes.

Methods: Twenty-four semi-structured telephone interviews with genetic counselors were conducted. Recruitment occurred via the National Society of Genetic Counselors student research eBlast. Thematic analysis by two investigators was performed.

Results: The majority of participants reported that the involvement of an interpreter increases patients’ comfort level, and alters the flow and length of a genetic counseling session.  Interpreters also increase challenges faced by genetic counselors, such as difficulty exploring patients’ psychosocial needs.  Most respondents reported that the content and goals of a session were not impacted.  The most frequently reported barrier to the genetic counseling process was inaccurate translation, which can lead to erroneous counseling.  The most common strategies employed were including open-ended questions, and altering speech patterns. 

Conclusion: This study showed that the impact that Spanish-speaking interpreters have on the genetic counseling process is multifaceted and complex. Most strategies used to ameliorate barriers are skills represented in the practice-based competencies for genetic counseling professionals, suggesting that genetic counselors have many tools to ease the interpretation process during genetic counseling sessions.

Since Graduation

Following graduation in 2016, Rachel moved to Savannah, GA and began working as a reproductive GC at Savannah Perinatology. After two years of serving the greater Savannah community, Rachel returned to the Triangle and has now been a prenatal GC at the UNC Prenatal Diagnosis program for 3 years.

Rachel’s primary role as a clinical counselor is direct patient care for four robust clinics. During her time at UNC, Rachel has served as the co-supervisor for UNCG and USC genetic counseling students, as well as coordinated genetic education for numerous other health professional training programs. Rachel has facilitated data collection for research studies, and recently became a peer-reviewer for the journal Genetics in Medicine. She remains passionate about equitable patient care, particularly in the Spanish-speaking populations. 

In Rachel’s pre-COVID free time, she is very active in the local community theatre scene, and enjoys hiking and traveling. She is currently in the process of buying a home in the Raleigh area!