Educational needs in genetic medicine: primary care perspectives

Abstract

Background/aims: This study was performed to identify primary care physicians' (PCPs) attitudes toward genetic medicine and their perceived needs for education in this area.

Methods: Semistructured telephone interviews with 24 PCPs in the northwestern United States.

Results: PCPs are interested in learning more about who should receive genetic testing and what tests are available. Training in counseling and risk communication is desired, as are 'just-in-time' resources to guide clinical decisions.

Conclusions: PCPs are eager to learn about genetic medicine; however, their priorities may differ in emphasis from those put forward by genetics experts. Future educational efforts would do well to build on PCPs' prior knowledge base, highlight the clinical relevance of genetic medicine to primary care practice, and emphasize 'red flags': cues to alert PCPs to a potential genetic contribution.