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The future of genetic counselling: an international perspective

Nature Genetics volume 22, pages 133–137 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

The focus of clinical genetics, and thus genetic counselling, is forecast to expand from the diagnosis and prediction of rare, often untreatable conditions, to the prediction of common, often treatable or preventable conditions1. Whether this evolution is likely to proceed rapidly or at a pace that permits sensible integration of molecular genetic tools is unknown and a source of debate2,3. It is clear, however, that genetic discoveries will modify the way in which disease and risk are conceptualized. Here, we predict how genetic counselling, specifically for more common diseases, might be provided in the decades to come. We envisage an expansion of professional roles and expertise for many health care providers and highlight the need for counselling practices to become more evidence based. Although we support an evidentiary-based approach to the integration of genetic testing into practice, genetic advance is unlikely to occur in an orderly and standardized manner within countries, much less among different countries and health care systems4. Geneticists will become increasingly involved in professional education and policy-making regarding genetic testing and screening programs.

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Acknowledgements

We thank B. Bernhardt, L. Biesecker, A. McInerney and F. Collins for their thoughtful input into early drafts this manuscript and our anonymous reviewers for constructive advice. T.M.M. is supported by the Wellcome Trust.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

    Barbara Bowles Biesecker

  2. Psychology and Genetics Research Group, United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas's, London, UK

    Theresa M. Marteau

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Correspondence to Barbara Bowles Biesecker.

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Bowles Biesecker, B., Marteau, T. The future of genetic counselling: an international perspective. Nat Genet 22, 133–137 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/9641

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