Sharing Genetic Risk Information: Implications for Family Nurses Across the Life Span

Abstract

Sharing genetic risk information in families can be very challenging. However, the consequences of poor communication can be detrimental to the psychological health and well-being of parents and children in the present and the long term. Family nursing can play an important role in supporting family communication about genetic conditions. This role has several components: Firstly, improved assessment of families affected by or at risk from inherited genetic conditions. Secondly, facilitation of families’ discussions of genetic risk, especially between parents and children. Family nurses can use an integrated model of family care to support parents and their children in discussion of genetic risk information throughout the child’s development, including provision of assistance specifically for young people, who want to discuss the issues they face with informed nurses. Thirdly there is a role for family nurses in educating other specialist nurses in taking a more family-focused approach when they are caring for patients affected by genetic conditions. If the full benefits of genomic technologies are to be recognized and implemented, it is essential that the relational impact of the science be strengthened to enhance family relationships and support genetic risk information sharing.