Family Communication about Genetics: Theory and Practice

When a patient is diagnosed with a genetic condition he or she is often referred for genetic counseling to cope with the myriad of questions and issues that such a diagnosis may raise. Healthcare practitioners with a solid understanding of families' communication processes are well-equipped to guide individuals and families as they integrate genetic risk into their lives. This handbook is designed to establish clinical practice guidelines and best practices for communicating with families about genetics. Few family communication books address genetic issues, and those that do generally focus on ethical issues regarding disclosure and confidentiality. This guide combines practical advice for genetic practitioners with relevant theories of communication.

Clara L. Gaff, PhD, is a certified Genetic Counsellor (Australasia), who has practiced in Australia and the United Kingdom with a focus on cancer genetics. She has been active in genetic counselling training programs and the education of health professionals in genetics. She is currently a Senior Genetic Counsellor and Clinical Associate Professor and editorial board member of the Journal of Genetic Counseling.

Carma Bylund, Ph.D. is a behavioral scientist with expertise in family and clinical communication. She teaches communication skills to practicing clinicians and studies this process as well as other facets of clinical and family communication. She is currently Director of the Communication Skills Research and Training Laboratory at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Weill Cornell Medical College.