299Genetic Counselor Role III
Your patient is a graduate student from China who is 18 weeks pregnant. She is
referred for follow-up of an abnormal ultrasound indicating possible trisomy 13.
You are trying to assess what she would do with the information if additional testing
confirms this diagnosis. You suspect she knows but is uncomfortable telling you, the
expert, her opinion.
Patient Role IV
You are a 25-year-old prenatal patient who has been told by the counselor that there
is a problem with the pregnancy. You cried when she/he gave you this information.
You are feeling overwhelmed and alone and completely uncertain of what you will
do. Do not disclose these feelings unless the counselor encourages you to. Instead,
continue to cry a bit and in a shaky voice say, “I’m fine. It’s ok.”
Genetic Counselor Role IV
Your patient is a 25-year-old prenatal patient. You have just told her that there is a
problem with the pregnancy. As you tell her this information, she begins to cry. You
suspect she is embarrassed about crying.
Patient Role V
You are a 30-year-old woman whose father was recently diagnosed with Huntington
disease. Your genetic counselor has just explained that there is a test that could reveal
whether you also carry the gene for this condition. You say, “I just couldn’t handle
hearing that I have it, too. I’ll take my chances. My husband and I are trying to have
a baby, and I want to concentrate on that. That’s, the right thing to do, isn’t it?”
Genetic Counselor Role V
Your patient, a 30-year-old woman has a father who was recently diagnosed with
Huntington disease. You have just explained that there is a test that could reveal
whether she also carries the gene for this condition.
Estimated time: 20–30 minutes per role play.
Instructor Note
- The instructor may want to encourage students to attempt advice and/or influenc-
ing responses during the role-plays, as they otherwise may exhaust the time allot-
ted with other sorts of responses.
Activity 4: Advice and Influencing (Triad Role Plays)
Students practice advice and influencing skills in 15-min role-plays taking turns as
counselor, patient, and observer. The scenarios can be of the instructor or the stu-
dents’ choosing. Allow 10 min of feedback after each role-play. The students should
focus on using good helping behaviors.
Criteria for Evaluating Counselor Advice and Influencing Behaviors
Well-timed
10.4 Class Activities