Experiences of faith group members using new reproductive and genetic technologies: A qualitative interview study

Abstract

This paper explores the experiences of members of faith groups deciding whether or not to use new reproductive or genetic technologies (NRGTs). It is based on 16 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with people with direct experience of NRGTs. Participants identified as members of Christian or Muslim faith traditions and had been faced with deciding whether or not to make use of novel forms of fertility treatment or genetic testing. The findings show that members of faith groups may experience specific barriers of access, and distinctive ethical difficulties, when considering the use of different forms of NRGTs. Both Christian and Muslim interviewees reported difficulties in obtaining information on the official faith teaching, or found that their faith group had not yet crafted an official position. Participants' needs for information, and the opportunity to discuss the faith implications of their clinical choices, were not being met in either the clinic or the faith setting. This paper concludes that clinics should indicate more clearly their acknowledgement of patients' faith concerns. Appropriate training is needed for both healthcare professionals and chaplains, while faith groups should be encouraged to engage with healthcare providers to ensure that guidance is available to their members. ARTICLE HISTORY

Interpreters’ perceptions of culture bumps in genetic counseling

“…Additionally, this study echoes previous findings regarding clinicians’ gaps in provision of adequate medical information and decisional support to patients of certain faith groups (Scully, Banks, Song, & Haq, 2016). Five of the interpreters in the current study noted discordance between the genetic counselor and the patient in instances that involved a perceived conflict between the patient's religious beliefs and the science‐based approach to the medical management options presented by the genetic counselor.…”

“…Collaboration with other knowledgeable healthcare professionals, as well as consultation with interpreters, may help genetic counselors navigate these culture bumps in sessions. Further studies can also explore the nuances of optimal genetic counseling in navigating family dynamics and shared decision-making specifically for patient with LEP.Additionally, this study echoes previous findings regarding clinicians' gaps in provision of adequate medical information and decisional support to patients of certain faith groups(Scully, Banks, Song, & Haq, 2016). Five of the interpreters in the current study noted discordance between the genetic counselor and the patient in instances that involved a perceived conflict between the patient's religious beliefs and the science-based approach to the medical management options presented by the genetic counselor.…”

‘Get your own house in order’: Qualitative dialogue groups with nonvaccinating parents on how measles outbreaks in their community should be managed

“…They differ from standard focus groups, in that they seek to move beyond mere descriptions of people's attitudes and opinions, uncovering reasons for why people hold those views and have been successfully used to explore the reasons underlying people's views on difficult topics. 13,14 We purposively sought parents who had refused some or all vaccines for their children. We contacted previous participants in our grounded theory study of nonvaccination.…”

“…Dialogue group methodology supports conversations between community members about the moral and ethical dimensions of an issue. They differ from standard focus groups, in that they seek to move beyond mere descriptions of people's attitudes and opinions, uncovering reasons for why people hold those views and have been successfully used to explore the reasons underlying people's views on difficult topics 13,14 …”