Patient perceptions of genetic counselors' role and emotional support needs in adults with Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT: One of the roles of a genetic counselor, when returning genetic test results for Parkinson's disease (PD), is to provide emotional support to the patient. However, whether or not these needs are being met in the genetic counseling setting is unknown. In this cross-sectional qualitative study, semi-structured interviews with 15 PD research participants were conducted to evaluate their emotional needs and expectations throughout the genetic counseling process. Interview questions assessed participants' background understanding of genetic counseling, informational and emotional expectations prior to the genetic counseling session, and experience with emotional support throughout the genetic counseling process. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we defined four major themes: (1) knowledge of

SUBMITTER: Radecki M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11953584 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature