Integrating with the healthcare pathway

Wellcome Connecting Science | Graphic | Empowering People: Genetic Counselling in Focus

Genetic counsellors work alongside other healthcare professionals, from managing referrals to sharing results and planning next steps. Genetic counsellors are often part of large multidisciplinary healthcare teams involving medical doctors, clinical scientists, nurses, pathologists, and radiologists. As genetic testing becomes more and more routine, and spreads across whole healthcare settings, the importance of an integrated and upskilled healthcare system and practitioners becomes even more important.

Genomic (as opposed to genetic) testing involves casting a wide net by exploring many genes in one go. This can mean that unexpected additional results might emerge. It will be important for healthcare systems to provide the guidance and support that enables individuals to manage these uncertainties and make choices that are right for them.