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Proxy patients' perceptions of genetic counselor empathy responses
Jennine Bouchard1, Ian MacFarlane2, Patricia McCarthy Veach3
1Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Journal of Community Genetics
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Patients perceive understanding as the most empathic response from genetic counselors (GCs). While "I'm sorry" phrases were common, the reasoning varied, highlighting the need for tailored empathy in genetic counseling.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Communication
- Genetic Counseling
- Patient Perception
Background:
- Empathy is crucial in genetic counseling (GC) for effective patient support.
- Limited research exists on patient perceptions of genetic counselor (GC) empathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient-perceived empathic responses from genetic counselors (GCs).
- To understand the rationale behind these perceptions.
Main Methods:
- A survey with hypothetical genetic counseling scenarios was administered to 198 female MTurk workers.
- Participants identified the most empathic GC response and explained their reasoning.
- Inductive content analysis categorized rationales into Understanding, Problem Solving, Sympathizing, Focusing on the Patient, Validating, and Miscellaneous.
Main Results:
- Understanding was the most frequent rationale (approx. 50%) for perceived empathy in both scenarios.
- GC responses with "I'm sorry…" were frequently chosen (approx. 45%) but often rationalized as Understanding, not Sympathizing.
- Predictors of empathy preferences varied by scenario and rationale, with few demographic correlations.
Conclusions:
- Patient preferences for empathy in genetic counseling are context-dependent and require tailored communication.
- Focusing on understanding patient experiences is key to perceived empathy.
- Ongoing assessment of patient needs (empathic resonance) enables counselors to adapt their expressed empathy.
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