Proposed models for genetic counseling: Which quality indicators by Donabedian's model are more feasible?

Abstract

Genetic counselling is a complex process that helps people to understand and adopt medical, psychological and genetic aspects of the disease and enable them to make an appropriate decision. In this framework, we revisited all the existing models for decision-making and suggested their use in the process of genetic counselling, which may lead to more equitable and more favourable outcomes. Also, Donabedian's (Structure-Process-Outcome) model for the development of key performance indicators was applied to assess the quality in the process of genetic counselling. Quality indicators at SPO model in the process of genetic counselling were proposed. The social, economic and humanistic outcomes have also been identified. All defined quality indicators together represent a framework for monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of the process of genetic counselling. Although the new medical services of genetic counselling tend to be developed as a powerful multidisciplinary field, the implementation of quality management model will certainly help the development of collaborative practice.