Genetic Risk Communication

Genetic Risk Communication (GRC)

Wouldn’t you want to know?

Will Riddle

5 Things every Comm. Student should want to know about

GRC

Genetic Risk Communication is the exchange of information

About… Nature Magnitude Significance

Control Genetically Transmitted Disorders

of

Genetic Risk Communication

can

increase

uncertainty

Genetic Risk Communication

can decrease

uncertainty

We’re talking . . .

Probability

The ears? The ears?

What’s the probability?

Challenge

The effective communication

of genetic risk

BIGGEST

Effective GRC

Relevant

Accurate

Understood

Trustworthy

Reduces health risks

Results in adopted recommendations

BROADER than genetic counseling

Who Uses Genetic Risk

Communication?

Healthcare ProfessionalsGeneral Physicians

Pediatricians Nurses Lab Technicians

Midwives Genetic Counselors

Communication ScholarsResearchers & Healthcare Worker Educators

Government Agencies

Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare Institutions

Insurance Companies

Mass Communica

tors

The MediaPublishers

Fastest growing area of scholarship

within NCA

The field is growing…

Someone has to explain the risk.

Need a niche?

You know . . . A career path?

.

Think of the challenges.

Social

Psychological

and

Ethical

Current Criticism Theory does not inform practice.

Best Tools: Words vs. Numbers

Poor journalistic coverage

The Human Genome Projectidentified 6000+ genetic

disorders.That’s a whole

lotta’ risk

communicatin’.

Comm. Majors!

Who You Gonna’ Call?

Photo Credits•

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amulonphotography/6828842524/http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezakicoo/4562211275/http://www.flickr.com/photos/kankan/151672217/http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyz/3340435836/http://www.flickr.com/photos/takomabibelot/3148877959/http://www.flickr.com/photos/atbartlett/2432704579/http://www.flickr.com/photos/ateabutnoe/6113708317/Jessie Cohen-http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/PhotoGallery/SmallMammals/11.cfmhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/5019792953/http://www.flickr.com/photos/besz/3250345372/http://www.flickr.com/photos/tinfoilraccoon/5595023545/http://www.flickr.com/photos/serendipity_photography/6258703090/http://www.flickr.com/photos/dullhunk/6097248541/http://www.flickr.com/photos/proimos/6870109454/http://www.flickr.com/photos/susansimon/2449172921/http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilamont/4328628207/http://www.flickr.com/photos/evanforester/6799135636/http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativecomputer/261445720/http://www.flickr.com/photos/photographybyani/3066668257/http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/4605621230/