The purpose of genetic counselling is to increase a family's awareness and
understanding of particular genetic diseases and the risk and benefits of testing,
disease management, and the options available to them.
To identify the needs of the individual or family and use an empathic client-centre
approach to the provision of genetic counselling
To collect, select, interpret and analyse information [including family and medical
history, pedigree, laboratory results and literature] relevant to the delivery of
genetic counselling for individuals of families.
To help people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, social and
familial implication of genetic contributions to disease
To assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
To provide education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention,
resources and research to relevant individuals or families.
To promote informed choices and psychological adaptation to the condition or
risk of the condition.
To apply expert knowledge to facilitate the individual or family to access the
appropriate healthcare resources, including a medical diagnosis and resources
for management of the condition