Genetic counselors’ scope of practice and challenges in genetic counseling services in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Genetic counseling is an evolving field in Saudi Arabia. In 2015, genetic counseling was recognized as a Master's program by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Our genetic counselors combine their knowledge of genetics, counseling theory and interpersonal communication to serve Saudi and non-Saudi patients affected with a range of genetic conditions and/or birth defects. Most patients are referred to the clinic from different clinics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) and outside of KFSHRC for various indications. Carrier testing and preventative reproduction options rank highly on the reasons for referral to our clinics.The Saudi population has unique customs and beliefs, such as consanguinity and the evil eye. Challenges that are routinely encountered in our genetic counseling clinics include, but are not limited to, preventative reproductive options and termination of pregnancy, manifesting carriers, stigmatization of women and approaches to complex molecular findings. Working with families from different backgrounds and beliefs undoubtedly requires professionals with a distinctive set of skills and a structured clinical setting. This review article presents the scope of genetic counseling practice and tackles some of the challenges faced in providing genetic counseling in Saudi Arabia.

The Global State of the Genetic Counseling Profession

“…Master’s programs have existed since 2015; both programs include coursework with a focus on genetic counseling in Islam and clinical training. All counselors practicing in Saudi Arabia are expected to obtain a license from SCHS [33, 34].…”

Perspectives on facilitating whole exome sequencing for international patients at Mayo Clinic

“…Therefore, carrier testing is a common reason for referral to genetic counseling clinics. Oftentimes, the father of a carrier female brings the fiancé to the genetics clinic and requests testing, sometimes without revealing the disease for which the female is a carrier (Balobaid et al, ). Trio WES may disrupt this cultural norm by immediately revealing carrier status for both parents rather than in an incremental fashion.…”

The Special Features of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Counseling in Arab Countries

“…Many of the 22 Arab countries have no available literature on the implementation of genetic counseling services, including from Djibouti, Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, and Sudan. However, some of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other Arab countries do offer these services ( Table 1 ) [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. The implementation of services in those countries is probably due to the financial means of those countries, high consanguinity rates driving a high incidence of some genetic diseases, as well as the availability of genetic counselors [ 11 , 17 , 18 ].…”