An analysis of communication following newborn screening for cystic fibrosis

With the tremendous expansion of knowledge that will come from advances in the Human Genome Project, the question of how to effectively communicate genetic risk information will assume increasing importance. This article reports research intended to provide a descriptive foundation for future inquiry. Drawing on information from medical professionals and videotaped interactions of families whose infant has tested positive for cystic fibrosis, the authors present an analysis of the phases of communication following newborn screening. From this analysis, it can be seen that genetic counseling is best viewed as part of a larger process of risk communication.