Considerations for the use of qualitative methodologies in genetic counseling research

Abstract

All genetic counselors interact with research, whether through conducting studies, participating in them, or applying results to their practice. Research is also integrated at the trainee level, with all accredited genetic counseling training programs requiring a research output for the purposes of accreditation (Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), 2019). Reckoning with research methods is therefore an activity that all genetic counselors are likely to undertake in some form. A recent content analysis of the Journal of Genetic Counseling revealed "research methodology" was the least common topic of articles published over the analysis period (2011-2017) with only nine articles (1.9%) addressing this area (Wallgren et al., 2021). More than a third (34.4%) of all the publications

Something to chat about: An analysis of genetic counseling via asynchronous messaging following direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing

“…The initial set of 34 chat transcripts had the potential to have enough informational power (Malterud et al, 2016) to reveal themes related to the needs of clients who have undergone DTC‐GC and communication patterns between those clients and genetic counselors given the density of chats, the specificity of the sample, and the application of previously known themes related to genetic counseling for DTC‐GT. Recognizing that reaching thematic saturation may not be feasible given the varied indications, personal goals, questions, and experiences of clients (Wainstein et al, 2022), transcripts were reviewed until the research team identified the general essence of the client and genetic counselor experience with asynchronous chat. Using a step‐wise process, chats were reviewed and analyzed approximately 10 chats at a time until no new themes emerged that were generalizable to a majority of transcripts.…”

“It becomes your whole life”—Exploring experiences of reciprocal translocation carriers and their partners

“…Participants were assigned pseudonyms and de‐identified transcripts were imported into NVivo 12 software (QSR International Pty Ltd) to manage the data for thematic analysis. Transcripts were explored without any predetermined classification using thematic analysis with a focus on making meaning of the lived experiences of being a carrier (Wainstein et al, 2022). The research team read transcripts multiple times until becoming familiar with the data.…”

“…Codes were discussed during research team meetings and grouped into broad categories to efficiently manage the data. The data embedded in these broad categories and patterns of meaning were grouped into themes (Kara, 2022; Wainstein et al, 2022). Themes were compared across transcripts.…”

Occupation-Based Assessments in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice

“…The positionality statement was developed through reference to Tong and colleagues (2007) consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) and Wainstein and colleagues (2023) establishment of positionality through self-reflexivity. As such, the researchers identify as occupation-based, occupational therapy practitioners with experience in academic instruction and both pediatric and adult clinical practice.…”