Abstract

PIP: To assess the impact of genetic counseling interviews with former recipients of the counseling (consultands) in the Genetic Counseling Clinic of the University of Colorado were conducted. It was found that the interviews, as compared with questionnaire alone, with 87 couples provided the best insights and interchange of ideas. A correlation was established between social class, which included educational levels, and understanding but no correlation between understanding and degree of risk. The majority of consultands retained the information over extended periods of time. Over 1/2 of the consultands (56 of 101) found the counseling helpful. A positive correlation existed between the degree of satisfaction and level of understanding. 41 couples were influenced in their family planning by the genetic counseling. Genetic counseling was of limited effectiveness when the counselor was unable to satisfy the expectations of the consultand for enlightenment about the cause of problems, particularly those of unknown etiology. Counselees' most frequent suggestion for improved effectiveness was to expand knowledge about the availability of counseling services. They also felt that 3-6 months were needed for couples to adjust to the discovery of a birth defect before counseling information could be assimilated.