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01-02-2013 | Professional Issues

Enhancing Family Communication About Genetics: Ethical and Professional Dilemmas

Authors: Jan Hodgson, Clara Gaff

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

When a new genetic condition is diagnosed within a family, genetic counselors often describe a sense of responsibility towards other at risk family members to be appropriately informed about their status. Successful communication of genetic information in families is contingent on many factors. While a small number of probands directly state their intention not to inform their relatives, many who do intend to communicate this information appear to be unsuccessful for a wide range of reasons and may benefit from follow up support from a genetic counselor. Drawing on the reciprocal-engagement model (REM) of genetic counseling practice we explore how enhancing family communication about genetics raises a number of ethical and professional challenges for counselors—and describe how we resolved these. A subsequent manuscript will describe the counseling framework we have developed to enhance family communication about genetics.

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Title: Enhancing Family Communication About Genetics: Ethical and Professional Dilemmas
Authors: Jan Hodgson
Clara Gaff
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-012-9514-x

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