Re-conceptualizing risk in genetic counseling: implications for clinical practice
1Department of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Rm A3-112 - 3rd Floor, CFRI Translational Lab Building, 938 W28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 4H4. Jehannine.austin@ubc.ca
Journal of Genetic Counseling
|February 2, 2010
Summary
Effective risk communication in genetic counseling is challenging, as subjective and objective risks often mismatch. This study explores risk perception from other fields to improve genetic counseling risk communication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychology
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Risk communication is crucial in genetic counseling.
- A frequent issue is the discrepancy between subjective and objective risk post-counseling.
- This mismatch raises questions about the effectiveness of current risk communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To deconstruct the concepts of risk and risk perception.
- To explore how insights from other disciplines can enhance risk communication in genetic counseling.
- To stimulate further discussion and research into effective risk communication.
Main Methods:
- Literature review drawing from psychology, economics, philosophy, and climate change.
- Conceptual analysis of "risk" and "risk perception".
Main Results:
- Identified a gap between objective and subjective risk understanding in genetic counseling.
- Highlighted the need for a broader, interdisciplinary approach to risk communication.
- Proposed a framework for enhanced understanding of risk perception.
Conclusions:
- Current risk communication in genetic counseling may be ineffective due to a narrow focus.
- Integrating insights from diverse fields can improve how genetic risk is understood and communicated.
- Further research is needed to develop and test new risk communication models.
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