TANNER COLEMAN

CAPSTONE

Capstone Project Committee: Lauren Doyle, M.S., CGC; Rachel Mills, M.S., CGC; Tracy Bensend, M.S., CGC; Lori Orlando, M.D.

With increased demand for genetic services and limited access to genetics professionals, genetic services are increasingly provided by non-genetics healthcare professionals (NGHPs) with minimal formal training in genomic medicine. Although empiric evidence demonstrates gaps in genetics knowledge and confidence in practicing genomic medicine among NGHPs, it is unclear what type of knowledge is needed by NGHPs to effectively provide genomic healthcare. Genetic counselors’(GCs)are considered experts in this space, having training and insight to the most critical components of genetics knowledge and clinical practices for the provision of genomic medicine. As such, this mixed-methods study examined GCs’ perspectives on whether NGHPs should provide genetic services and identified GCs’ perceptions of the components of genetics knowledge and clinical practices that are most critical for NGHPs providing genetic services. Quantitative analysis of survey results and thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed common themes. Participating GCs expressed varying beliefs about whether NGHPs should provide genetic services, ranging from disagreement due to perceived gaps in knowledge or clinical skills to acceptance of NGHPs providing genetic services due to limited access to genetics professionals. Participants endorsed the interpretation of results, understanding implications of results, collaboration with genetic specialists, knowledge of the benefits and risks to testing, and recognizing indications for genetic testing as critical components of genetics knowledge and clinical practice for NGHPs. Genetic counselors provided several recommendations for improving the provision of genetic services including educating NGHPs to provide genetic services through case-based learning and increasing collaboration between NGHPS and genetics professionals. As GCs are healthcare providers with experience and a vested interest in educating NGHPs, their perspectives can help to inform the creation of continuing medical education to ensure access for patients to high-quality genomic medicine care from providers of varying backgrounds.

Since Graduation

Tanner Coleman is originally from Graniteville, SC. Before coming to UNCG, he attended the University of South Carolina and spent time working in basic science research. Following graduation in 2021, he moved to Huntsville, AL to join the genetic counseling team at HudsonAlpha where he will be involved in clinical genetic counseling, research projects, and educational initiatives. 

In his free time, Tanner enjoys staying active through playing and coaching ultimate frisbee and rock climbing.