Division of Medical Genetics

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Barbara A. Bernhardt, MS, CGC

For over 20 years, Ms. Bernhardt has conducted research relating to clinical genetics, genetics counseling, and the ethical, legal and social implications of the Human Genome Project. She has researched the economics of providing genetics services, including methods of billing, level of reimbursement, factors influencing coverage of genetics services, and the economic impact of genetics services on an academic medical center. She has also evaluated the delivery of genetics services and factors that influence the utilization of genetics services and tests. She has been an investigator on many NIH-funded projects that explored both qualitatively and quantitatively: the diffusion of new genetic technologies; informed consent; consumer and provider knowledge of and attitudes towards genetics and genetic testing; methods of delivering and evaluating genetic services; and patient-provider communication.

One of Ms. Bernhardt's current research projects involves an analysis of the style and content of communication between genetic counselors and simulated patients, and an evaluation of genetic counseling sessions by analogue clients. Other current research is a project that is qualitatively, through focus groups and interviews, assessing consumers' and providers's attitudes and knowledge of reproductive genetic technologies.

Recent Publications

• Bernhardt BA, Geller G, Doksum T, Metz SA. Evaluation of nurses and genetic counselors as providers of education about breast cancer susceptibility testing. Oncology Nursing Forum, 2000; 27:33-39.
• Schoonmaker MM, Bernhardt BA, Holtzman NA. Factors influencing health insurers' decisions to cover new genetic technologies. Int J Tech Assess in Health Care, 2000; 16:178-189.
• Bernhardt BA, Biesecker, BB, Mastromarino CL. Goals, benefits and outcomes of genetic counseling: Client and genetic counselor assessment. Am J Med Genet; 2000; 94:189-197.
• Doksum T, Bernhardt BA, Holtzman, NA. Carrier screening for cystic fibrosis among Maryland obstetricians before and after the 1997 NIH Consensus Conference. Genetic Testing, 2001; 5:111-116.
• Tambor ES, Bernhardt BA, Rodgers J, Holtzman NA, Geller G. Mapping the human genome: An assessment of media coverage and public reactions. Genetics in Medicine, 2002; 4:31-36.
• Bernhardt BA, Tambor ES, Fraser G, Wissow LS, Geller G. Parents' and children's attitudes toward the enrollment of minors in genetic susceptibility research: Implications for informed consent. Am J Med Genet 2003; 116A:315-323.
• Doksum T, Bernhardt BA, Holtzman NA. Does knowledge of the genetics of breast cancer differ between non-geneticist physicians who so or do not discuss or order BRCA testing? Genetics in Medicine 2003;5:99-105.
• Geller G, Tambor ES, Bernhardt BA, Rodgers J, Holtzman NA. Houseofficers’ reactions to media coverage about the sequencing of the human genome. Soc Sci Med.2003; 56:2211-2220.