Genetics, human genome project and occupational therapy practice

The Human Genome Project (HGP) has enabled rapid advances in healthcare practice. Medical genetics, once largely confined to relatively rare diseases seen by only a few specialists, is now becoming a central component in our understanding of most major diseases. Occupational therapy practice, without a doubt, will be changed significantly by the explosion of genetic knowledge. This article provides the basic concepts of genes and their relationship to our health. Four types of genetic disorders are introduced. The HGP and its expected gains and limitations are described. Ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of advances in genetics are discussed with an example of an ethical dilemma. Finally, this article also provides information on genetic counseling to assist occupational therapists in identifying the need for a referral to genetic counseling.