The Routine and the Traumatic in Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis: Does Clinical Information Inform Patient Decision-making?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2004
Keywords
Informed consent, Decision-making, Genetic counseling, Latinas
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2004.03.004https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2004.03.004
Abstract
With the increasing technical sophistication of medicine, clinicians’ task of assuring patient informed consent is increasingly elusive. Taking the example of prenatal genetic testing, we examine efforts to communicate the complexities of genetic knowledge and risk calculation to patients. In this qualitative, descriptive study, we interviewed 50 clinicians and 40 patients, and observed 101 genetic counseling sessions. We found the clinicians and patients have different goals, purposes, and values regarding testing, which affect their clinical interactions. The information the clinicians provide patients reflects their clinical interest in identifying and controlling pathophysiology, while patients, in contrast, are most concerned with protecting and nurturing their pregnancy. We argue informed patient decision-making about prenatal testing options requires information that is responsive to patient interests. We recommend developing a shared decision-making approach, to facilitate the full participation of both clinicians and patients in the decision-making process.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Patient Education and Counseling, v. 56, issue 3, p. 302-312
Scholar Commons Citation
Hunt, Linda M.; De Voogd, Katherine B.; and Castaneda, Heide, "The Routine and the Traumatic in Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis: Does Clinical Information Inform Patient Decision-making?" (2004). Anthropology Faculty Publications. 107.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/ant_facpub/107
