Genetic counselors and Genomic Counseling in the United Kingdom

Journal of Genetic Counseling, 2006

The Genetic Counseling Definition Task Force of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) developed the following definition of genetic counseling that was approved by the NSGC Board of Directors: Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates the following: • Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence. • Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research. • Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition. The definition was approved after a peer review process with input from the NSGC membership, genetic professional organizations, the NSGC legal counsel, and leaders of several national genetic advocacy groups.

Journal of Genetic Counseling, 1995

Currently, two trends pose particular challenges for genetic counseling: (1) spin offs from the Human Genome Project leading to new diagnostic genetic tests far in advance of any cures; and (2) an increasing and diversified client population. These trends will lead to changes in both genetic service delivery systems and the development of alternative models of the genetic counseling process itself Two models that could be adapted for genetic counseling are: the mutual participation model and the life history narrative model Technological advances present ethical dilemmas and raise many questions. Already, improved detection of genes for predisposing conditions has entered clinical medicine requiring renewed ethical appraisals of genetic testing. Integration of genetic counseling (and required pre-screening education) into primary care settings involves time constraints and the involvement of health care personnel with less training in genetics. Alternative approaches are beginning to be discussed. Innovative genetic counselors with expanded visions of counseling goals and practices will play an increasingly important role in the future of genetic counseling.

European Journal of Human Genetics

2000

Personalized Medicine, 2019

Aim: To determine UK genetic counselors’ (UKGCs) opinion regarding ‘the psychosocial component of the UKGC remit in the new genomics era’. Methods: Facilitated discussions at a national conference (2016) using interactive methodologies (58 participants). Results: UKGCs recognized the rapid rate of change emerging with advances in genomic science. Change will be required to the UKGC remit and the roles, rules, relationships and responsibilities that underpin it (29 topics identified). UKGCs supported their ‘unique selling point’; integrating knowledge and the explicit focus on psychosocial aspects of genomic healthcare. By 2019, some of the aspirations have been achieved. Conclusion: UKGCs should proactively position themselves to capitalize on the challenges and opportunities of genomic healthcare to maximize patient benefit.

Journal of Clinical …, 2003

Journal of Genetic Counseling, 1995

Journal of Genetic Counseling, 2014

Journal of genetic counseling, 2014

European journal of human genetics : EJHG, 2015

In Europe, genetic counsellors are employed in specialist genetic centres or other specialist units. According to the European Board of Medical Genetics, the genetic counsellor must fulfil a range of roles, including provision of information and facilitation of psychosocial adjustment of the client to their genetic status and situation. To evaluate the extent to which genetic counsellors fulfil their prescribed roles, we conducted a systematic review of the published relevant scientific evidence. We searched five relevant electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, SocIndex, AMED and PsychInfo) using relevant search terms and handsearched four subject-specific journals for research-based papers published in English between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2013. Of 419 potential papers identified initially, seven satisfied the inclusion criteria for the review. Themes derived from the thematic analysis of the data were: (i) rationale for genetic counsellors to provide care, (ii) appropriate rol...