title: Relational ethics and genetic counseling.
abstract: Genetic counseling is viewed as a therapeutic interrelationship between genetic counselors and their clients. In a previous relational ethics research project, various themes were identified as key components of relational ethics practice grounded in everyday health situations. In this article the relational ethics approach is further explored in the context of genetic counseling to enhance our understanding of how the counselor-client relationship is contextually developed and maintained. Qualitative interviews were conducted with six adult clients undergoing genetic counseling for predictive testing. Engagement, dialogue and presence were revealed as relevant to genetic counselor-client relationships. A relational ethics approach in genetic counseling challenges the concept of nondirectiveness and may enhance the outcome of counseling for both counselor and client.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada. mmacevans@cogeco.ca
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Vangie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bergum
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bamforth
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: MacPhail
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D002170:Canada; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics*