Perspectives from Spanish-Speaking Genetic Counselors: Support Persons at Latine Appointments
Aciana Franco
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: MS.GENTICOUNSLNG
Faculty Research Mentor: Pervola, Josie
Abstract:
Background: Latine individuals experience persistent barriers to equitable genetic counseling with linguistic discordance, financial limitations, and historical discrimination within healthcare systems and broader society. Familismo—a core Latine cultural value emphasizing family and close social support—often results in the presence of support persons (SPs) during medical encounters, including genetic counseling appointments. While SP involvement has been studied in general medical settings, its influence within genetic counseling for Latine patients remains unclear. Spanish-speaking genetic counselors offer a unique perspective onto this topic due to language concordance and cultural familiarity with many Latine patients.Purpose: This study examined Spanish-speaking genetic counselors’ perspectives on the roles and impact of SPs during genetic counseling appointments with Latine patients.Methods: A quantitative survey of 16 Spanish-speaking genetic counselors assessed the (1) types of roles SPs assume during these appointments, (2) perceived impact of these roles on key areas of the genetic counseling appointment (contracting, gathering personal and family medical history, and decision making), and (3) challenges associated with SP presence or participation.Results: Overall, participants more often observed SPs take on the role of helping with transportation to and from the appointment, providing or clarifying relevant medical information, and providing comfort or encouragement to the patient. Participants more often agreed that the SP(s) improved their understanding of the appointment and provided information to better understand the patient’s medical history or family history. Additionally, participants noted that SP(s) more often help clarify the patient’s preferences but do not influence the decisions of Latine patients during their genetic counseling appointment. There was no significant difference with the role that SPs take on and their influence for Latine patients versus non-Latine patients.Conclusion: These findings highlight the multifaceted role of SPs in genetic counseling appointments with Latine patients, particularly in supporting understanding and information exchange. Future research should include larger sample sizes and incorporate Latine patients’ and SPs’ perspectives to better understand relational dynamics within genetic counseling appointments. Such work may inform best practices, training initiatives, and strategies to promote cultural humility and equity for Latine patients and their families.