Genetics decision-making: a template for problems with informed consent.

Full Abstract

Developments in information technology and advances in genetics present challenges to physicians in terms of providing adequate informed consent. Genetic mechanisms and related therapies are very complex and involve a number of uncertainties. Yet, physicians have very little training in genetics or in dealing with uncertainty. Further, genetic decisions impact others, yet physicians are trained to see the patient as an individual, independent decision-maker. Cultural, ethnic, gender, religious and other differences influence patients in their genetic decision-making, but physicians have little training in understanding these kinds of influences. Genetic information also gives knowledge about disease and dysfunction where no therapeutic intervention is available. Physicians are trained to heal in crisis situations, to engage in therapeutic intervention and not always to deal with chronic or unresolved illness. They may find this situation difficult to handle in an informed consent context. All ofthese difficulties pose the possibility that physicians will not be "informed" enough to facilitate good informed consent in genetic decision-making. Given all of this we need to address fundamental changes in medical education.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Kegley, Jacquelyn Ann K (JA);

Affiliation: California State University, Bakersfield, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Legal Cases

Journal: Medicine and law (Med Law), published in South Africa. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol 21 (issue 3) : pp 459-71

Dates: Created 2002/11/19; Completed 2002/12/31; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12437197, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.

See 100+ related articles.