Slide 1

Results of a Licensure Needs Assessment Survey of Michigan Genetic Counselors Jessica Mester, B.S. MAGiC Meeting, March 9 th, 2005 Slide 2 What is a Needs Assessment? Important first step Important first step Literally, assesses a need in a community regarding a specific issue Literally, assesses a need in a community regarding a specific issue Slide 3 Why Perform a Needs Assessment? Discover how Michigan genetic counselors and Ph.D. Medical Geneticists feel about licensure Discover how Michigan genetic counselors and Ph.D. Medical Geneticists feel about licensure Uncover any misconceptions about licensure Uncover any misconceptions about licensure Gather opinions on controversial issues (i.e. eligibility, supervision, ordering tests) Gather opinions on controversial issues (i.e. eligibility, supervision, ordering tests) Slide 4 Survey Design Summer 2004: Contacted leaders of licensure efforts in other states listed on NSGC website Summer 2004: Contacted leaders of licensure efforts in other states listed on NSGC website July 2004: Obtained sample surveys from Texas and California Licensure Working Groups July 2004: Obtained sample surveys from Texas and California Licensure Working Groups Slide 5 Survey Design Gathered input from a variety of sources: Gathered input from a variety of sources: Michigan Licensure Working Group NSGC Licensure Subcommittee U of M Research Committee Several revisions of survey instrument Several revisions of survey instrument Reviewed and approved by IRBMED at the University of Michigan Reviewed and approved by IRBMED at the University of Michigan Slide 6 Survey Methodology 36 questions long 36 questions long Sent by e-mail to 66 individuals in Michigan Sent by e-mail to 66 individuals in Michigan 63 genetic counselors, 3 Ph.D. Medical Geneticists 1 e-mail rejected, 3 GCs moved to other states Received responses from 41 individuals Received responses from 41 individuals 38 genetic counselors, 3 Ph.D. Medical Geneticists 38 by e-mail, 3 by postal mail Slide 7 Study Limitations Response rate: at least 66% (41/62) within a 3 week time period Response rate: at least 66% (41/62) within a 3 week time period Ascertainment bias? Small sample sizes difficulty determining statistical significance Small sample sizes difficulty determining statistical significance only 3 Ph.D. Medical Geneticists surveyed Slide 8 Data analysis Statistical significance: p