Implementation of human genetic counseling in the MZEB (Medical Center for Adults with disabilities) at the psychiatric LVR Clinic Bedburg-Hau

TL;DR

A new collaboration between a medical center and a genetics institute provides genetic counseling for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Contribution

The establishment of interdisciplinary consultation hours for genetic counseling in a specialized medical center for adults with disabilities.

Findings

A collaboration was initiated between MZEB and the Institute of Human Genetics in 2023.

Interdisciplinary consultation hours were established to offer genetic counseling and testing.

Preliminary results from this new structure are being reported.

Abstract

Outpatient diagnostics for adult patients with intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders were significantly improved when ‘Medical Centers for Adults with Disabilities’ (MZEB) were established in 2015 in accordance with a new law (§ 119c SGB V). Due to the multi-professional nature of these MZEBs, cooperation with various specialized centers can be initiated. Accordingly, in 2023, a cooperation between the MZEB in the LVR-Clinic Bedburg-Hau and the Institute of Human Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University (HHU) Düsseldorf was initiated. Interdisciplinary consultation hours for adult patients have been established in Bedburg-Hau offering genetic counselling and testing to identify the underlying genetic entity. We will introduce this new structure and report preliminary results.

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