Colleen Caleshu, MS, CGC, on the use of artificial intelligence in genetic counseling

Embracing AI's Arrival in Genetic Counseling

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it's reshaping healthcare, including genetic counseling. While AI promises streamlined workflows and enhanced care, how do counselors navigate this powerful frontier responsibly? A recent NSGC session, discussed by Colleen Caleshu, MS, CGC, Senior Director of Research and Real World Data at Genome Medical, offered crucial insights.

The 44th National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Annual Conference highlighted AI's increasing role. Sessions like the one chaired by Ms. Caleshu showcased early adopters integrating AI into their practices. Many health systems now offer tools, primarily ambient recording and transcription for clinical notes. While not always custom-designed for genetic counseling, these solutions signal a clear shift towards technology-assisted practice.

Tangible Benefits: Efficiency and Well-being

Boosting Efficiency, Reducing Burnout

AI offers compelling advantages. It significantly boosts efficiency, freeing valuable time from administrative tasks. Genetic counselors report reduced documentation burden, allowing more focus on direct patient interaction and complex case analysis. This operational improvement directly contributes to easing clinician burnout, creating space for counselors to engage with their core professional passion, enhancing both satisfaction and overall well-being.

Navigating Nuances: Becoming AI-Literate

Critical Assessment is Key

Despite AI's promise, caution is vital. Counselors must cultivate ‘AI literacy’ to assess tools properly: understanding their appropriateness, evaluating their quality, identifying potential biases, and ensuring equitable application. Tool validation is a significant challenge. Before deployment, ask critical questions: What validation studies were performed? On which specific demographics? What were the results? Without robust validation, AI-generated insights remain questionable.

The Clinician-in-the-Loop Imperative

Human Oversight is Non-Negotiable

Crucially, AI in genetic counseling remains a ‘clinician-in-the-loop’ endeavor. Generative AI outputs, while helpful, can be inaccurate or inappropriate. NSGC speakers shared examples of AI producing off-base notes or misinterpreting patient messages. Human oversight is not merely recommended; it is absolutely critical. Your expertise, judgment, and nuanced understanding of patient context are irreplaceable. AI is a powerful assistant, but the ultimate responsibility for accuracy and ethical care rests with the genetic counselor.

Embrace the Future, Wisely

AI integration in genetic counseling is an evolving journey. By proactively building your AI literacy, critically evaluating new tools, and steadfastly maintaining oversight, you harness AI’s transformative potential. Shape this future, ensuring technology effectively and ethically serves both clinicians and patients. Your active engagement ensures AI enhances the profound human element of genetic counseling.