If for example, you encountered a client with G6PD deficiency or Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC), what could be the genetic information that are important to impart to the client?
- Before any genetic counseling sessions, taking the family history or family pedigree is very important as we are talking about a genetic or hereditary condition to a patient since the risk of having it is higher with familial history of the condition. G6PD Deficiency is more common in males in that of females but we must emphasize to the patient that females, may not have the deficiency itself but they can be carrier of the disease and one or both parents can pass the disorder. We must also explain the risk of inheritance to patient for reproductive purposes, providing the list of substances that must be avoided, the risk of development of hemolytic anemia due to exposure to triggering substances, effects of untreated hemolytic anemia and management of hemolytic anemia.
How can the genetic counselor-client relationship be strengthened? How can the client's autonomy be supported? How can we ensure resilience of our clients? How do we consider the client's emotions during the genetic counseling engagement?
- In establishing good rapport, we must listen and acknowledge the concerns and thoughts of the patient, we must be sensitive on how they feel and react while discussing the disease to them, showing support, making them feel they are cared and listened. We must not judge the patient based on their cultural beliefs and practices, but recognize and respect these things as this will also be included somehow in their management. Correcting also misbeliefs related to the condition without upsetting the patient is also important to avoid misinformation.
Allow also the patient to decide on how will their management plan or dietary scheme will go as this shows how we support their autonomy. Answering the questions of patients related to the condition on how will it affect their future health is also essential by providing appropriate information regarding the disease.
As a genetic counselor, we must be very sensitive with regards to the emotions of the patient, not only recognizing the things they say but also their gestures as this will help us more if there are issues that the patient is hesitant to ask. We can also use non-verbal therapeutic communication to show more support and care towards the patient.