title: Telegenetics: an Update on Availability and Use of Telemedicine in Clinical Genetics Service.
abstract: Although telegenetics as a telehealth tool for online genetic counseling was primarily initiated to improve access to genetics care in remote areas, the increasing demand for genetic services with personalized genomic medicine, shortage of clinical geneticists, and the expertise of established genetic centers make telegenetics an attractive alternative to traditional in-person genetic counseling. We review the scope of current telegenetics practice, user experience of patients and clinicians, quality of care in comparison to traditional counseling, and the advantages and disadvantages of information and communication technology in telegenetics. We found that live videoconference consultations are generally well accepted by both clients and clinicians, and these have been successfully used in several genetic counseling settings in practice. Future use of telegenetics could increase patients' access to specialized care and help in meeting the increasing demand for genetic services.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Irena
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vrečar
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Dimitar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hristovski
authors.affiliation: Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. borut.peterlin@guest.arnes.si.
authors.forename: Borut
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Peterlin
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D057285:Precision Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D049269:Videoconferencing
keywords: Clinical genetics; E-genetics; Genetic counseling; Telegenetics; Telemedicine