Table 1
Topics of Concern to Consumers and Providers in Focus Groups (listed in order of importance)
| Column A Concerns of Consumers | Column B Concerns of Providers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Respect for Persons | 1. | Multiple Constraints that Impede Ideal Services |
| 2. | Accuracy of Information | 2. | Team Approach is Best |
| 3. | Knowing When to Refer and Being Willing to do so | 3. | Access, Availability of Genetic Services |
| 4. | Knowing and Communicating own Limitations and Abilities | 4. | Safe, Legal Abortion Must be Available and Accessible |
| 5. | Describing Expectations at Beginning of Initial Session | 5. | Spending Adequate Time: Preparation for Session, Initial Session, Follow-up Sessions |
| 6. | Avoiding Facile Judgements of Prognosis | 6. | Ongoing Evaluation |
| 7. | Making no Assumptions about Consumers' Choices or Values | 7. | Professional Continuing Education Opportunities |
| 8. | Spending Adequate Time: Preparation for Session, Initial Session, Follow-up Sessions | 8. | Referring Out Cases When Uncomfortable |
| 9. | Education of Ancillary Personnel | 9. | Continuity of Care |
| 10. | Team Approach is Best, with the Consumer as an Equal Member of the Team | 10. | Consumer Grievance Procedures |
| 11. | Ongoing Evaluation | 11. | Importance of Setting |
| 12. | Communication Skills | 12. | Pre-Test Counselling a Must |
| 13. | Holistic Awareness and Approach That Preserves Integrity of the Family. | 13. | Directiveness vs Nondirectiveness |
| 14. | Addressing All Aspects of Consumer Situation(s) | 14. | Familial/communal Aspect of Genetic Counselling |
| 15. | Importance of Support Groups, Allied and Community Services | ||
| 16. | Mentoring: A Step Toward Effective Services | ||
