The Genetic Counseling Session

Please read this chapter from the book of Veach et al on Facilitating Genetic Counseling. 

Here is the actual case preparation and intake checklist that we use for our clinical rotation at the PGH Genetics Clinic. Please note that this specifically designed for pediatric genetics consultation as the Genetics Clinic primarily caters to pediatric patients. For rotation in other clinics (e.g., cancer), we have the same steps in case preparation, but the intake questions are targeted to the specific indications of clients that we see in clinic, i.e., cancer family history will be highlighted in cancer clinics. Familiarize yourself with this checklist as you will be using this once you rotate and conduct actual genetic counseling sessions. 

After the session, genetic counselors usually send letters to their clients summarizing in laypersons terms what has transpired during the session. This is vital as an educational material to our clients which can help them recall technical information that has been discussed. The letter may also help facilitate communication of information with other members of the family and with other health care personnel attending to the client's needs. Please go through this article by Baker et al (2002) on how to write patient letters. 

Here is an example of an actual patient letter that was sent to recap what has transpired in the genetic counseling session. To maintain privacy, identifying information are redacted.