Table 2 Genetic susceptibility testing for BRCA1/2
From: A Counselling Model for BRCA1/2 Genetic Susceptibility Testing
First counselling session with a genetic counsellor |
   - Assessment of a priori knowledge concerning BRCA1/2 mutations and genetic testing and provision of risk Information |
   - Assessment of impact of the test result |
   - Assessment of need to refer to a psychosocial worker |
   - Decision counseling |
   - Blood sampling |
No blood sampling but a second counselling session with a genetic counsellor or psychosocial worker if: |
   - counselee experiences provided information as very unfamiliar or shocking or decision making was not thorough |
   - other 'unfinished business' comes up such as relational conflicts, communication problems with relatives, worries about (future) children |
   - anticipation of inadequate coping with the test result |
   - the counselee is younger than 25 |
Disclosure session |
   - Disclosure of the test result by the genetic counsellor |
   - Assessment of need to refer to a psychosocial worker |
   - Referral to a specialist (for carriers) |
Formal follow-up for mutation carriers: |
   - Follow-up interview by phone after 2-3 weeks |
   - Optional information seminar with experts (geneticist, oncologist, surgeon, gynaecologist) once a year |
   - Optional mutation carrier support group |