Abstract
Purpose: This study described the perceptions of genetic counseling and testing of adults (. N=. 116) attending a genetic education program. Understanding perceptions of genetic counseling, including the importance of counseling topics, will contribute to patient-focused care as clinical genetic applications for common, complex disorders evolve. Methods: Participants completed a survey addressing: the importance of genetic counseling topics, benefits and negative effects of genetic testing, and sharing test results. Results: Topics addressing practical information about genetic conditions were rated most important; topics involving conceptual genetic/genomic principles were rated least important. The most frequently identified benefit and negative effect of testing were prevention/early detection/treatment and psychological distress. Participants perceived that they were more likely to share test results with first-degree than other relatives. Conclusions: Findings suggest providing patients with practical information about genetic testing and genetic contributions to disease, while also determining whether their self-care abilities would be enhanced by teaching genetic/genomic principles.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 25-30 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Applied Nursing Research |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Genetic knowledge
- Genetic testing
- Genetics
- Patient education
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nursing(all)