Communicating genetic test results to the family: a six-step, skills-building strategy

Fam Community Health. 2001 Oct;24(3):13-26. doi: 10.1097/00003727-200110000-00004.

Abstract

As the availability of tests to identify hereditary predisposition to chronic diseases continues to grow, a need has arisen to prepare individuals receiving genetic test results to share this highly sophisticated and value-laden information with other at-risk family members. Responding to this need, a communication skills-building intervention, based on Buckman's model of "Breaking Bad News," was developed for use in the setting of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Outcomes will include knowledge, attitudes, and health behavior on the part of both the proband and her first-degree relatives.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Communication*
  • Family Relations*
  • Female
  • Genes, BRCA1
  • Genetic Counseling / standards*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / psychology
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Truth Disclosure
  • United States

Substances

  • BRCA2 Protein
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Transcription Factors