Getting the Message Across. Communication with Diverse Populations in Clinical Genetics

About this book

• First text to focus on practical communication issues in genetic counseling and clinical genetics
• Practical, portable reference guide that will appeal to those new and familiar with clinical practice
• Population-based chapters with examples based on real-life cases
• Timeless subject matter unaffected by rapid developments in field of genetics

Communicating with patients about genetic concepts is fraught with complications. In addition to the hazy takeaway messages and the likelihood of peripheral findings, the diverse cultural backgrounds of patients in a genetics clinic present another layer of challenge for clinicians and genetic counselors in their aim to communicate important findings effectively and respectfully.

This book provides practical advice to assist genetic counselors, geneticists, and other health professionals wanting to engage appropriately with different clients from different communities -- patients who are hearing and/or visually impaired, patients with diverse sex development or religious backgrounds, and those who are available only through interpreter or telephone consultation. With chapter-based practical entries on effective communication with these and other diverse population groups, this volume is an invaluable pocket tool for clinicians and counselors to effectively get the message across.

Readership: Genetic counselors; clinical geneticists; primary care providers; medical students; child-life specialists; social workers; hospitalists; clinical instructors; care providers in any healthcare setting.

Table of contents

Foreword
Lauren Kerzin-Storrar

1 Clients who are D/deaf or hard of hearing
Anna Middleton and Christina Palmer
2: Clients who are visually impaired
Georgina Hall and Alison Clarke
3: Clients who have diverse sex development
Lih-Mei Liao and Margaret Simmonds
4: The Jewish community
Sara Levene
5: The Traveller community
Jacqueline Turner
6: The Pakistani Muslim community
Mushtaq Ahmed
7: Clients who disclose sexual abuse
Alan Phillips
8: Teenagers
Anna Gregorowski
9: Children who have intellectual disability
Jeremy Turk
10: Clients who are terminally ill
Anna-Marie Stevens and Dr Jayne Wood
11: Clients who have dementia
Rachel Taylor
12: Communication from an interpreter's perspective
Nicki Cornwall
13: Communication via the telephone or video conferencing
Kelly Kohut and Kathryn Myhill