-Original-

Factors Contributing to Genetic Counselors' Success as Facilitators in Role-Playing Workshops

Maho Kuroda^1,2, Takeshi Yamada², Motoko Sasaki^1,3, Haruka Murakami^1,4 and Hidehiko Miyake^1-3

¹Department of Genetic Counseling, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
²Department of Genetic Medicine, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
³Institute for Human Life Innovation, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
⁴Department of Medical Genetics, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan

Background: Role-playing is a key learning method in genetic counseling education, with facilitators playing a crucial role. Although facilitator training exists in other fields, it lacks a structured framework in the context of genetic counseling. Identifying the factors contributing to facilitator success can improve the quality of education. This study aims to examine the key factors associated with successful experiences as genetic counseling facilitators.
Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted in September 2023 among 356 members of the Japanese Association of Certified Genetic Counselors.
Results: A total of 106 responses (29.7%) were collected, with 45 participants (42.4%) possessing facilitator experience. Logistic regression analysis identified prior learning experiences (OR = 10.02, 95% CI: 1.07-93.7) and confidence as a facilitator (OR = 25.94, 95% CI: 2.27-295.96) as significant factors for successful facilitation. Prior learning experiences correlated with observing inappropriate facilitation (OR = 6.39, 95% CI: 1.25-32.76). Confidence was linked to both skill improvement opportunities (OR = 14.30, 95% CI: 1.41-145.14) and inappropriate facilitation (OR = 9.65, 95% CI: 1.67-55.67).
Conclusion: Successful facilitator experiences were associated with prior learning and confidence. Inappropriate facilitation played an indirect role in facilitator success. Enhancing confidence through learning opportunities and exposure to facilitation challenges is crucial for facilitator development.

J Nippon Med Sch 2025; 92: 384-390

Keywords
facilitator, role-play, professional development, genetic counselors

Correspondence to
Hidehiko Miyake, Department of Genetic Counseling, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
miyake.hidehiko@ocha.ac.jp

Received, April 1, 2025
Accepted, June 30, 2025