A Feasibility Analysis of a Pilot Study Comparing Prenatal Genetic Service Delivery Outcomes Using the Self-Determination Theory

Genetic counselors, along with the National Society of Genetic Counselors, desire evidence-based research and data assessing the value of genetic counseling in genetic service delivery. This pilot study was designed to gather data about genetic counseling outcomes as well as analyze the feasibility of a study looking at new genetic outcome measures in the prenatal setting. Implementation of the methods used for data collection were evaluated by analysis of the appropriateness, acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and adoption of the research protocol at three sites. We found that there is a hierarchy between implementation outcomes and it may be necessary to satisfy one implementation outcome before the next one can be achieved. We also found that patient engagement is a key component to evaluating the success of methods used for data collection. These findings may be useful to individuals designing future research studies used to measure genetic counseling outcomes