Reflexivity Across the Research Lifespan: Planning, Conducting, Supervising, and Mobilizing Ethical Genetic Counseling Research

All genetic counselors interact with research- whether it’s through directly conducting research, supervising genetic counseling student research projects, or using evidence generated through research in their clinical practice, which highlights the importance of high quality and justice-oriented research practices. Despite its importance, genetic counseling research practices are often under interrogated, which can lead to a lack of understanding of the researchers’ roles in influencing research which can contribute to gaps in data and the perpetuation of research that is centered on dominant identities in genetic counseling. Engaging in reflexive, justice-oriented research needs to be a priority for the advancement of genetic counseling research. However, there is a lack of guidance on how to plan, conduct, supervise, and mobilize reflexive and justice-oriented genetic counseling research. This session seeks to break down the research process into four components: planning, conducting, supervision, and knowledge translation, and provide a forum for discussion of how we currently approach research and the strategies that we can employ to better these practices of reflexivity and justice-based research in the future.

Presented by:

1. Kennedy Borle, MSc, CGC
2. Kimberly Zayhowski, MS, CGC
3. Ian MacFarlane, PhD
4. Jared Warden-Joseph, MSc
5. McKayla Gourneau, MS, CGC
6. J9 Austin, PhD, CGC

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize the importance of understanding power and privilege in genetic counseling research.
2. Describe community-engaged research within the historical context of genetic counseling research.
3. Apply principles of restorative justice in genetic counseling research.
4. Practice reflexivity in the context of genetic counseling research.
5. Describe how values, policies and culture impact the research process in the context of genetic counseling programs and institutions.
6. Discuss the actions needed to address power of dynamics in the context of GC student research projects.

Genetic Counselor CEUs:

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to .15 CEUs or 1.5 Category 1 contact hours for the activity, Reflexivity Across the Research Lifespan: Planning, Conducting, Supervising, and Mobilizing Ethical Genetic Counseling Research. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned by participating in this program for the purposes of genetic counselor recertification.

Successful Completion:

1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation