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Development and evaluation of an exome sequencing training course for medical interpreters

    Leslie Riddle

    Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA

    ,
    Leah S Karliner

    Department of Medicine, Multiethnic Health Equity Research Center, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA

    ,
    Jennifer Livaudais-Toman

    Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA

    ,
    Claudia Guerra

    Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA

    ,
    Cynthia E Roat

    National Consultant & Trainer on Language Access in Health Care, Seattle, WA 98133, USA

    ,
    Alan F Rope

    Genome Medical, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA

    Department of Translational & Applied Genomics, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR 97227, USA

    ,
    Amy Wade

    LanguageLine Solutions, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

    ,
    Mikaella Caruncho

    Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA

    ,
    Jamilyn M Zepp

    Department of Translational & Applied Genomics, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR 97227, USA

    ,
    Jessica Giang

    Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98105, USA

    ,
    Benjamin S Wilfond

    Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98105, USA

    Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

    &
    Galen Joseph

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: galen.joseph@ucsf.edu

    Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/pme-2021-0091

    Aim: As genomic medicine reaches more diverse populations, there is an increased need for healthcare interpreters who understand and can effectively interpret genomics concepts. Methods: We designed a course for healthcare interpreters on exome sequencing to enhance their preparedness for genomic results disclosure appointments in the Cancer Health Assessments Reaching Many (CHARM) study and beyond. The course was evaluated via pre/post surveys and qualitative interviews. Results: 23 interpreters completed the course; 87% rated it as excellent/very good. Improved pre/post confidence interpreting for genetics appointments was statistically significant; pre/post knowledge was not. Interviews highlighted the need for more discussion time. Conclusion: While the course increased confidence interpreting for exome sequencing results appointments, suggested modifications could enhance knowledge and retention of key concepts.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest

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