[Genetic counseling and genetic services].

Advances in knowledge about the genetic basis of disease have lead to an increasing demand for and expectation of genetic counselling and genetic services. This presents a new challenge to the health care system, as well as a need for professional education and public dialogue. In this review the current provision of genetic counselling and services is described, especially with the focus on the process of counselling and the persons presenting for counselling. Genetic counselling is seen as an information process and the scenarios for decision-making are discussed. The future development of genetic services should be developed within an ethical framework and the importance of quality assessment is underlined.