APOL1 Genetic Testing Program for Living Donors, Part 2

The APOL1 counseling training program is designed for transplant nephrologists who evaluate live kidney donor candidates of African ancestry who are at risk for having APOL1 risk variants and kidney failure post-donation. The training program aims to increase transplant nephrologists' practical knowledge, self-efficacy, and skills in counseling live donor candidates about APOL1 in a culturally competent manner. The program will include training in: current APOL1 data; the value of APOL1 testing and meaning of positive test results for living donor clinical evaluation; risks of having two APOL1 gene variants on the donor's kidney health; how to engage in shared decision making about donation; how to address cultural concerns about genetic testing; and how to protect donor candidates' privacy and confidentiality with APOL1 test results. The APOL1 counseling training program will be delivered by a genetic counselor through webinars and other interactive modalities and last 2-4 hours.