Genetic counselling: Predicting patient outcomes

Abstract

With the rapid development of genetic testing, the demand for genetic counselling is increasing. Yet there is little known about what makes for effective or efficient genetic counselling. The aim of the current study is to determine the main factors influencing outcomes of genetic consultations. One hundred and thirty one routine consultations conducted in a regional genetics centre were audiotaped, transcribed and coded. The main predictors of outcome tested were pre-interview patient and counsellor expectations; pre-interview patient concerns; length of consultations; counsellor directiveness; and the extent to which social and emotional issues are addressed in the consultation. The main outcomes were the patient's view of the extent to which their expectations were met, their satisfaction with information provided, and concern about the problem they were referred with.

Although there were six significant correlations between the process of consultation and outcome variables, multivariate analyses revealed no significant predictors of any of the outcomes. Using multiple regression analyses, small amounts of variance in patient outcomes were predicted by patient and counsellor variables assessed before the consultation, but none was predicted by any of the process measures made of the consultation. Various explanations are considered to explain the lack of influence of process variables upon outcomes. One possible explanation for these findings is that the consultation has a minimal effect upon patient outcomes. Alternatively, the study, in design or analysis, was not sufficiently sensitive to detect the influential aspects of the consultation.