Disclosure of genetic information within families

Gallo et al discuss how nurses can facilitate family communication. When someone has or is at risk for a hereditary condition, the entire family is affected. Communication within families about such risk is important--it's central to independent decision making--but it can be difficult: whether someone can disclose such information, even to family members, depends on many factors. In order to help patients and families make decisions about disclosing information regarding genetic risk, and avoid undo distress in the process, nurses must understand the many issues that affect families when genetics is discussed.