Communicating risk information in genetic counseling: an observational study

Area of Science:

• Medical Genetics
• Communication Studies
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Effective risk communication is crucial in genetic counseling for informed patient decision-making.
• Understanding how patients interpret risk information influences their engagement and choices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the forms of risk expression used in UK genetic counseling sessions.
• To examine patient responses to different risk communication methods.
• To determine the frequency of clinician assessment of patient comprehension.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 115 transcribed UK genetic counseling consultations.
• Reliable coding of risk expressions (words, probabilities, percentages) and patient responses (understanding, misunderstanding, disagreement, no response).
• Documentation of clinician's assessment of patient comprehension.

Main Results:

• Over half of risk expressions were words (53%), with numbers comprising the rest (47%).
• No significant association was found between the form of risk expression and patient response.
• Clinicians assessed patient comprehension in only 25% of instances, less frequently after using words than numbers.
• Patient non-response to risk communication occurred in 43% of cases.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of risk communication in genetic counseling goes unacknowledged by patients.
• The low rate of comprehension assessment by clinicians, coupled with frequent patient non-response, suggests potential for decisions made without full understanding of genetic risks.