Getting the Message Across

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.