Screening with Purpose

The Screening with Purpose course is designed to help healthcare providers, genetic counselors, and clinical staff understand the rationale behind targeted genetic screening and how to use results to guide patient care effectively. The course begins by explaining the concept of screening as a proactive approach to identifying individuals or pregnancies at increased risk for genetic conditions. Learners will explore why not all screening is created equal — the importance of selecting the right test based on patient history, family background, ethnicity, and clinical indication — and how to balance cost, timing, and clinical utility.

The course emphasizes strategic application of Natera’s products, including Horizon carrier screening, Panorama noninvasive prenatal testing, Empower expanded carrier screening, and Spectrum preimplantation genetic testing. Participants will learn how each test serves a purpose in the clinical workflow: Horizon identifies carrier status for planning pregnancies, Panorama screens for chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy, and Spectrum or Empower tests provide detailed insights for IVF or personalized reproductive planning. Learners will gain skills in determining which test is appropriate for a given patient scenario, how to interpret results in context, and when to escalate for follow-up diagnostic testing.

Modules cover how to communicate purpose-driven screening to patients in a clear, empathetic manner. This includes explaining what each test can detect, the difference between screening and diagnostic results, potential limitations, and how results impact clinical decision-making. Learners will review case studies showing how risk assessment guides prenatal care, reproductive counseling, and patient management, including scenarios where multiple family members may require testing.

The course also discusses the integration of genetic education into practice, including how to engage patients using online resources, microlearning modules, and AI-assisted chat tools. Participants will learn best practices for documenting discussions, sharing results, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including obstetricians, reproductive endocrinologists, and genetic counselors. Interactive exercises allow learners to simulate patient counseling, interpret hypothetical test results, and make decisions about next steps, distinguishing between immediate actions and informational outcomes.

Additionally, learners will explore clinical and ethical considerations, including informed consent, privacy, equity in access to testing, and how to approach conversations about sensitive findings. Emphasis is placed on aligning screening strategies with patient values, risk tolerance, and reproductive goals, ensuring that each test performed serves a defined clinical purpose rather than being routine or unnecessary.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply a purpose-driven approach to genetic screening: selecting appropriate tests, interpreting results effectively, counseling patients accurately, and using results to guide clinical decisions. They will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how strategic screening can improve patient outcomes, reduce uncertainty, and enhance confidence in reproductive and prenatal care.