This study describes the development of a self-efficacy scale that is specific to genetic counseling and based both on Bandura's self-efficacy theory (2006) and the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling practice-based competencies (2013). The phase 1 validation compared genetic counseling students (n = 20) and genetic counselors (n = 18). Nine items were removed from the scale at this point for lack of discrimination or redundancy. The phase 2 validation included a larger cohort of genetic counseling students (n = 168). Factor analysis identified six factors accounting for 58% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha as well as the inter-item correlations and item-total correlations of both the full scale items and underlying factors indicated that the items and factors of the scale are sufficiently related, but not redundant. The newly developed Genetic Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale (GCSES) has the potential to be used as an outcome measure in research related to training or professional development of genetic counselors as well as for a training tool.

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The purpose of this study was to determine if a genetic counseling student's perception of the supervisory working alliance (SWA) is related to their self-efficacy on select clinical practice-based competencies (PBCs), evaluating the second tenet of the Reciprocal Engagement Model of Supervision (REM-S) from a student perspective. Second year genetic counseling students (N = 168) completed a survey containing demographic and clinical rotation experience questions, the Supervisory Working Alliance Inventory-Trainee Form (SWAI-T), and the Genetic Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale (GCSES). Overall, the SWAI-T was significantly associated with all factors of the GCSES. Additionally, the relationship between the SWAI-T and self-efficacy was specific to those who had only one supervisor, thus highlighting the SWA may be most important under these circumstances. This serves as an important step in being able to guide supervisors toward effective methods in supervision, which may include encouraging supervisors to build a strong relationship with their supervisee in order to help strengthen the student's confidence in their clinical skills.

Government departments and not-for-profit agencies expend significant resources commissioning and conducting research, only to find their resulting lengthy reports shelved and unused. In this case study, we describe a project that developed short, policy-relevant research summaries of topics prioritized by the Ontario Women' s Health Council, an advisory body to the province' s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. These products were created based on an understanding of policy makers' needs and work contexts and were designed to help users find, understand and utilize research evidence to inform their clinical, programmatic and policy decision-making.