An evaluation of reinforcement of genetic counselling on the consultand.

This project studied the effect of reinforcement of genetic counselling in the home, on consultand recall of information discussed in the clinic. Acceptable recall was observed in 84% of 227 patients scored for recall of rate of recurrence, understanding of the nature of the disease at special risk and of its mechanism of origin. Our results show no significant difference in the frequency of acceptable recall after reinforcement of genetic counselling compared with an absence of reinforcement. The consultands' understanding was substantially affected by the type of genetic mechanism involved.