Perceptions of Genetic Counselling - A Student's View
This study investigates whether students’ perceptions and attitudes towards genetic counselling are changed after undergoing training. Genetic counselling students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma program at The University of Melbourne were surveyed when they first started the course, and the survey was repeated six months after starting the course. The survey assessed demographics; prior academic background; how students had come to know about the course; motivations for pursuing the course; perception of a genetic counsellor’s role; and whether they intended to enter the profession on graduation. Most respondents were female. The majority entered the course with a background in general science. Main reasons for pursuing the course included educating others about genetics, knowing someone with a genetic condition and helping people. After going through the course, respondents frequently reported increased focus on the psychosocial aspects and non-directiveness in genetic counselling. These findings can be used to inform future genetic counsellor training and the manner in which the course is marketed to potential students.