Rapid genomic testing in critically ill pediatric patients: Genetic counseling lessons from a national program

Abstract

Genetic counselors (GCs) face unique challenges in the acute care setting. Acute care environments—such as neonatal and pediatric intensive care units—are characterized by urgency, complexity, and rapid decision making. These settings require GCs to navigate a delicate balance between addressing the immediate clinical needs of patients and providing comprehensive genetic information to families, while demanding adaptation of existing skills for practice. Rapid genomic testing (rGT) is increasingly becoming standard of care in acute care. GCs are well placed to support families through the rGT process. Despite this, there is a lack of consistency in the provision of comprehensive acute care g..