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Analyzing the Process and Content of Genetic Counseling in Familial Breast Cancer Consultations
Author(s) -
Butow Phyllis N.,
Lobb Elizabeth A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1023/b:jogc.0000044201.73103.4f
Subject(s) - genetic counseling , breast cancer , medicine , genetic testing , coding (social sciences) , family medicine , human genetics , cancer , genetics , mathematics , gene , statistics , biology
A detailed examination of the process of genetic counseling has been identified as a priority area for research by previous authors. This multicenter longitudinal study examined the process and content of genetic counseling in initial consultations with women from high‐risk breast cancer families. One hundred and fifty‐eight consultations with women unaffected and affected with breast cancer were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. A detailed coding system was developed. Clinical geneticists and genetic counselors demonstrated consistently good practice in giving detailed information on essential aspects related to familial breast cancer such as screening and management, genetic testing, breast cancer genetics, and prophylactic surgery. Eliciting emotional concerns and facilitating communication were found to be inconsistently present. As clinical practice guidelines and the general communication literature emphasize the importance of these factors, this is an area where training in or self‐monitoring of such behaviors may assist consultants to further develop these skills.