TY - JOUR
T1 - An investigation of genetic counselors' discussions of genetic discrimination with cancer risk patients
AU - Pfeffer, Nicole L.
AU - Veach, Patricia Mc Carthy
AU - LeRoy, Bonnie S.
PY - 2003/10
Y1 - 2003/10
N2 - Twenty-five genetic counselors who see familial cancer risk patients were interviewed about their definitions of genetic discrimination, perceptions of patient risk for discrimination, frequency and type of discrimination experienced by their patients, sources of information about discrimination, and what they tell patients about genetic discrimination. There was variability in participant definitions and content of discussions of genetic discrimination. Although 82% regarded risk to be low to theoretical, 40% reported possible instances of genetic discrimination, including insurance companies requiring results to cover procedures, denial of life/health insurance, social discrimination, and employment discrimination. Ninety-six percent of the sample reported always or almost always discussing genetic discrimination, and one or more of the following: insurance discrimination risks, protective legislation, no known cases positively documenting discrimination, strategies to avoid discrimination, and uncertainty of protective measures. The majority use current literature and research as information sources. Practice, policy, and research implications are discussed.
AB - Twenty-five genetic counselors who see familial cancer risk patients were interviewed about their definitions of genetic discrimination, perceptions of patient risk for discrimination, frequency and type of discrimination experienced by their patients, sources of information about discrimination, and what they tell patients about genetic discrimination. There was variability in participant definitions and content of discussions of genetic discrimination. Although 82% regarded risk to be low to theoretical, 40% reported possible instances of genetic discrimination, including insurance companies requiring results to cover procedures, denial of life/health insurance, social discrimination, and employment discrimination. Ninety-six percent of the sample reported always or almost always discussing genetic discrimination, and one or more of the following: insurance discrimination risks, protective legislation, no known cases positively documenting discrimination, strategies to avoid discrimination, and uncertainty of protective measures. The majority use current literature and research as information sources. Practice, policy, and research implications are discussed.
KW - Cancer risk patients
KW - Genetic counselor perceptions
KW - Genetic discrimination
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U2 - 10.1023/A:1025816820243
DO - 10.1023/A:1025816820243
M3 - Review article
C2 - 15043057
AN - SCOPUS:2342617580
SN - 1059-7700
VL - 12
SP - 419
EP - 438
JO - Journal of Genetic Counseling
JF - Journal of Genetic Counseling
IS - 5
ER -