Psychosocial Effect and Role of Genetic Counselling in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Medical knowledge of both prevalent and rare diseases is changing as a result of recent advanced innovations. In the team that provides genetic services, such as genetic risk assessment, counseling, and continuous medical care for patients with inherited predisposition to disease, primary healthcare plays a crucial role. Primary care physicians can integrate genetic counseling within the larger context of a patient's overall health state since they are accustomed to prioritizing among competing clinical needs. The ongoing relationship that develops between physicians and patients over time is another aspect of primary care that is well-suited for genetic counseling. As patients' needs and emotional states change over time, primary care may provide continual patient education and counseling. When patients ask their primary care physicians about genetic tests and capabilities, they are frequently ill-equipped to respond for which further research along with the training of physicians is needed. Additionally, the majority of patients are also unprepared for the plethora of psychosocial problems that result from genetic testing. The primary care physician is more equipped to incorporate psychosocial factors into any discussion of genetic information since they are more familiar with the patient's broader perspective. When a patient is identified with genetic or familial predisposition to an illness, a number of psychosocial problems may arise. If their risk is revealed, people can be concerned about stigmatization, insurance eligibility, and employment discrimination. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about psychosocial effect and role of genetic counselling in primary health care.