Ethical tensions in genetic counselling research

Abstract

Ethical tensions are recognised as part of the everyday practice of conducting research and practising genetic counselling. What are the conceptual frameworks that can assist researchers and genetic counsellors to deal with ethical tensions when conducting research? How might the overlap that arises from being a researcher and clinical genetic counsellor be dealt with? This article uses a case study to consider the ethical tensions between conducting research in genetic counselling and maintaining a clinical practice as a genetic counsellor. It examines the reconciliation of the dual roles of researcher and genetic counsellor. It explores conceptual frameworks that can combine the needs of ethical research practice, while maintaining ethical clinical practice.