University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · GeneticsZierhut Counseling Lab
Heather Zierhut · Minneapolis, Minnesota
Research Focus
The lab led by Dr. Heather Zierhut at the University of Minnesota focuses on improving genetic counseling processes to enhance patient outcomes. They study how different counseling methods affect patient experiences and aim to develop strategies to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of genetic counseling. This research is particularly relevant for areas like prenatal care and oncology, where accurate and efficient counseling is crucial.
genetic counselingpatient outcomesefficiencyprenatal careoncology
Research Aims
5AIM 01Characterize genetic counseling processes using a novel measurement tool.
AIM 02Link variations in counseling processes and session time to patient-reported outcomes.
AIM 03Identify critical counseling processes that enhance patient experiences.
AIM 04Test the effectiveness of interventions to improve counseling efficiency.
AIM 05Engage community and practitioner perspectives in the research process.
Skills the Lab Values
audio recording analysisstatistical modelingsurvey designqualitative researchmultilevel analysis
Output against the department
Publications98bottom 31% of dept.179th of 259
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.2kbottom 8% of dept.238th of 259
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.