GeneTests: an online genetic information resource for health care providers

This paper describes the GeneTests genetic testing information resource with a focus on the GeneReviews component.

The need for authoritative genetic testing information and issues in the development and maintenance of GeneReviews are discussed: Hampered by lack of currency and content deficits, traditional medical information resources such as textbooks and the published literature are generally inadequate sources of genetic testing information. Problems encountered in developing GeneReviews include the evolution of new authorship models and academic and genetics professionals' skepticism about the quality of Web-based publications.

GeneTests is an authoritative, highly used, and well-regarded resource in the international medical community that is intended for health care providers. Future development issues to address include ways to (1) manage the increasing editing and updating load as content grows and (2) address technical and content issues that need to be considered in displaying GeneReviews as a "just in time" resource in the electronic medical record to achieve the project goal of integrating appropriate use of genetic testing into patient care.