Well-being and self-care strategies for cardiovascular genetic counselors: a qualitative study

Abstract

PurposeTo explore the impact of cardiovascular genetic counseling practice on genetic counselor well-being and describe self-care practices. MethodsParticipants were recruited through the Australasian Society of Genetic Counselors. Semi-structured interviews explored challenges in cardiovascular genetic counseling practice, supervision and self-care. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Self-reported demographics, psychological well-being and burnout measures were used. ResultsEighteen genetic counselors participated. Median interview length was 54 minutes (range 40-74). All participants were female and 83% of European ethnicity. Few reported mild or moderate depression symptoms (17%), mild or moderate anxiety symptoms (22%) and none (0%) had scores indicating stress. Three (17%) had scores indicating burnout. Thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) cardiovascular genetic counseling is different, not harder or easier; (2) workplace pressures affect well-being; (3) a self-care "tool kit" is necessary and supervision is a key component. ConclusionGenetic counseling practice and workload can affect well-being. A genetic counselor self-care tool kit that includes supervision helps maintain well-being. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=109 SRC="FIGDIR/small/25325617v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (23K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@124fb16org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e07360org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1b6cd1borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@53c84a_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG