Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas (Oct 2021)
Genetic counseling: evolution, current affairs and challenges in the genomic era
Abstract
Introduction: Genetic counseling is a patient/client centered communication process with the aim of helping them understand, adapt and adjust to the medical and psychosocial consequences of genetic contributions to the disease. Objective: To describe the evolution of the concept, models of genetic counseling and the profession of the genetic counselor from its inception to the current stage called the "genomic era" and its new challenges. Material and Methods: A systematization was carried out on the basis of reflective and critical reading on the subject. Publications without previous time limit and until 2020 were selected. Individual experience in teaching, medical assistance and research on the subject was also taken into account. Development: Analyses and assessments are made in relation to new concepts and practical models of genetic counseling, the profession of genetic counselor and services, genetic counseling in the genomic era and ethical aspects. Conclusions: Genetic counseling, in more than half a century of formal practice influenced by a variety of social, cultural, historical, local - regional and technical factors has evolved in its objectives and scope. The new (genomic) counselors will have to face new ethical dilemmas such as: the decision to communicate secondary findings; the potential for uncertainty from the large amount of data generated by genomic technologies; and the possible violation of privacy, discrimination, stigmatization and abuse based on the use of genomic information.
