Interactive genetic counseling role-play: a novel educational strategy for family physicians.
BACKGROUND
Family physicians (FPs) are increasingly involved in delivering genetic services. Familiarization with aspects of genetic counseling may enable FPs to help patients make informed choices.


OBJECTIVE
Exploration of interactive role-play as a means to raise FPs' awareness of the process and content of genetic counseling.


METHODS
FPs attending two large Canadian family medicine conferences in 2005 were eligible -- 93 participated. FPs discussed a case during a one-on-one session with a genetic counselor. Evaluation involved pre and post intervention questionnaires


RESULTS
FPs' baseline genetic knowledge was self-rated as uniformly poor. Baseline confidence was highest in eliciting family history and providing psychosocial support and lowest in discussing risks/benefits of genetic testing and counseling process. Post-intervention, 80% of FPs had better appreciation of family history and 97% indicated this was an effective learning experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Role-play with FPs is effective in raising awareness of the process and content of genetic counseling and may be applied to other health disciplines.
Blaine
Sean M
SM
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. blaines@sympatico.ca
Carroll
June C
JC
Rideout
Andrea L
AL
Glendon
Gord
G
Meschino
Wendy
W
Shuman
Cheryl
C
Telner
Deanna
D
Van Iderstine
Natasha
N
Permaul
Joanne
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012381:Role Playing