Communication in Cancer Genetic Counselling
Author Information
Author(s): Pieterse A H, van Dulmen A M, Ausems M G E M, Beemer F A, Bensing J M
Primary Institution: NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research)
Hypothesis
Counselees with higher prior informational needs would ask more medical and psychosocial questions.
Conclusion
Counsellors dominate the communication during initial cancer genetic counselling visits, and counselees do not readily express their previsit needs.
Supporting Evidence
- Counsellors provided more psychosocial information to counselees in higher need for emotional support.
- Counselees had a stronger psychosocial focus than counsellors.
- Counsellors initiated discussions on most topics during the visits.
Takeaway
When people go for cancer genetic counselling, they often don't ask questions or share their worries, and the counsellors do most of the talking.
Methodology
Counselees completed a questionnaire before their first appointment, and their consultations were videotaped for analysis.
Potential Biases
The study may not be representative of the broader population due to the low participation rate and demographic skew.
Limitations
The response rate of counselees was low, and the sample was predominantly female and higher educated.
Participant Demographics
94% female, average age 44.5 years, primarily seeking counselling for breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.022
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website