Genetic Counseling Communication & Education Flashcards

Which communication technique is most effective when disclosing a pathogenic variant result to a patient?

Answer: Deliver information in small chunks with pauses to check understanding

Chunking information and checking understanding allows patients to process difficult news more effectively.

In the context of genetic counseling, 'nondirectiveness' primarily means the counselor should:

Answer: Support client autonomy without imposing the counselor's values

Nondirectiveness means supporting patient autonomy and self-determination rather than directing patients toward specific choices.

A patient with limited health literacy is seen for BRCA testing counseling. The BEST approach is to:

Answer: Simplify explanations and use visual aids to confirm understanding

Adapting communication with plain language and visual aids ensures informed consent and comprehension regardless of literacy level.

The 'teach-back' method is used in genetic counseling to:

Answer: Verify that the patient has understood the information provided

Teach-back confirms comprehension by asking patients to explain information back in their own words.

When counseling a patient from a different cultural background regarding a hereditary condition, the genetic counselor should FIRST:

Answer: Ask the patient about their cultural values and beliefs related to genetics

Eliciting cultural context upfront ensures counseling is respectful, relevant, and effective for each individual patient.

A genetic counselor is writing a patient letter after a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) result. The letter should primarily:

Answer: Explain what a VUS means and emphasize the need for reclassification follow-up

A VUS letter must clearly define the uncertain nature of the result and establish a plan for monitoring reclassification updates.