Well-being and self-care strategies for cardiovascular genetic counselors: A qualitative study

Abstract

Repeated exposure to challenging clinical situations impacts healthcare professionals' well-being. Genetic counselors assist individuals to understand and adapt to difficult medical information, which often has implications for close family members. In the cardiac setting, managing families with profound grief and trauma following sudden cardiac death can be difficult, with potential for burnout and compassion fatigue. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of cardiovascular genetic counseling practice on genetic counselor well-being and describe self-care practices. Participants were recruited through the Australasian Society of Genetic Counselors. Semi-structured interviews explored challenges in cardiovascular genetic counseling practice, supervision, and self-care. Interview transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Self-reported demographics, psychological well-being, and burnout measures were used. Eighteen genetic counselors participated. Median interview length was 54 min (range 40–74). All participants were female and 83% of European ethnicity. Few reported mild or moderate depression symptoms (17%), mild or moderate anxiety symptoms (22%), and none (0%) had scores indicating stress. Three (17%) had scores indicating burnout. Reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes: (1) cardiovascular genetic counseling is different, not harder or easier; (2) workplace pressures affect well-being; (3) a self-care “tool kit” is necessary and supervision is a key component. Genetic counseling practice and workload can affect well-being. A genetic counselor self-care ‘tool kit’ that includes supervision helps maintain well-being.