Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Assessing Identification Of Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients For Referral To Genetic Counseling, Corinne Marie Locke

Theses and Dissertations

Since 1998, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have specified clinical indications for genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility genes, but retrospective studies have shown that, despite meeting the NCCN criteria, patients are not always advised of the option of genetic testing. Further compounding this issue, studies have shown that cancer family history intake and documented family history can be incomplete even when taken by oncology providers. At this study site and other cancer centers in the country, patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer are referred for genetic counseling by their cancer care team if they are …

Essential Informational Needs Of Parents Receiving A Turner Syndrome Diagnosis: Parent And Genetic Counselor Perspectives, Jewel Lynne Wasson

Theses and Dissertations

Turner syndrome affects approximately one in 2,500 live female births, and etiology includes the partial or complete loss of the second X-chromosome. Prognosis varies depending on whether a diagnosis is made prenatally or postnatally. Current recommendations state that counselors should be involved in the diagnosis; however, guidelines for what information to include during an initial diagnosis do not exist. The aim of this study was to identify which informational items related to Turner syndrome are considered most essential by parents and genetic counselors.

A survey including 100 informational items related to Turner syndrome was sent to genetic counselors and parents …

Language Interpreters’ Perspective Of The Interpreter-Genetic Counselor Working Alliance, Dacia Lipkea

Theses and Dissertations

Interpreters are an asset to the genetic counseling process as they help to bridge both cultural and linguistic gaps. For various reasons, their ability to accurately render the often-complex information discussed in genetic counseling sessions is likely dependent on their ability to establish a working alliance and collaborate with genetic counselors to overcome any challenges. Studies in other healthcare fields document the elements crucial to forming a working alliance between interpreter and healthcare provider, but little research has been done specifically investigating how to form a working alliance in the context of the specialized nature of genetic counseling. The goal …

Goal Achievement In Young Adults With Asperger Syndrome And High Functioning Autism, Melissa Racobaldo

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate perspectives of young adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA) regarding supports and services, future goals, and confidence in their success. The goal of this study was to identify valuable supports and areas in which this support was lacking. Identifying areas of support for young adults with AS/HFA transitioning into adulthood aids in providing consistent services for successful goal achievement. The study has value among genetic counselors as the discovery of genetic etiologies of autism has led to referral of families with ASD to the genetics clinic. Methods: Young adults with …