Williams, Kaylee
(2021)
Genetic Counseling for Trans* Populations: Development of Educational Material for Genetic Counseling Programs.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
This is the latest version of this item.
Abstract
Transgender, or trans* is an umbrella term that refers to people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. As gender minorities, the trans* community experiences disproportionate health disparities and discrimination in the healthcare setting. Genetic counselors may become part of a trans* individuals’ medical care team when indicated by a risk for genetic conditions. The role of a genetic counselor is to provide genetic information and culturally competent psychosocial support. A recent survey of genetic counselors found that less than half felt confident in their ability to counsel a trans* client, and multiple studies have established genetic counselors’ desire for more education on counseling trans* individuals. This study aims to increase genetic counselors’ knowledge about counseling trans* clients through the creation of educational resource materials for genetic counseling training programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). A Qualtrics survey was distributed to ACGC accredited program leadership to assess their current approach to trans* health education within their curricula and their receptiveness to additional resources to increase students’ exposure and comfort level counseling trans* patients in the future. Survey data revealed that 90% of responding programs provide education on genetic counseling for trans* individuals, and 85% felt that access to educational resource materials would be helpful. The results of the survey were used to direct what kind of educational content was created as part of this project. Based on survey results, four resources were created: 1) A series of case examples with roleplay opportunities, 2) An annotated list of resources for trans* patients including allied healthcare providers and legal resources, 3) An annotated list of resources for providers working with trans* clients, 4) An annotated list of peer-reviewed articles on genetic counseling for trans* populations. An educational resource guide was made to guide users of these materials as well. This study is relevant to public health by increasing educational materials available to genetic counseling programs and their students, with the intention of enhancing genetic counselors’ competency in working with trans* clients.
Share
| Citation/Export: |
|
| Social Networking: |
|
Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
12 May 2021 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
12 April 2021 |
| Approval Date: |
12 May 2021 |
| Submission Date: |
25 April 2021 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
109 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Genetic Counseling |
| Degree: |
MS - Master of Science |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
transgender, trans, genetic counseling, genetics, education |
| Date Deposited: |
13 May 2021 02:53 |
| Last Modified: |
13 May 2021 02:53 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/40944 |
Available Versions of this Item
-
Genetic Counseling for Trans* Populations: Development of Educational Material for Genetic Counseling Programs. (deposited 13 May 2021 02:53)
[Currently Displayed]
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[feed]](/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}