Counseling and support for regional genetics centers in Great Britain
Abstract
The National Health Service in Britain has responded to the increased demand for specialist genetics services by establishing a system of regional genetics centres. Provision at these centres now increasingly includes a role for specialist counselling which is seen as distinct from clinical consultation. Interviews at 29 centres found that recognition given to counselling and support varied widels. A small number of centres had developed advanced counselling protocols. Three centres provided nurse-counsellors for home visits, support during consultation, and follow-up for 90% of clinets, whilst four centres provided no specialist counselling at all. Other contrasts were found in deployment and training of counselling personnel.