Education may improve the underutilization of genetic services by Middle Eastern primary care practitioners

This study assesses Arab Middle Eastern primary care practitioners' (PCPs) use of and referral to clinical genetic testing and counseling, as well as the effect of education on their willingness to utilize or refer to these services.

A total of 128 PCPs were surveyed. Data about their demographics, academic background, perceptions about their role in genetic testing and counseling, as well as their use of genetic testing and counseling services were collected. Another survey was distributed to participants who attended a genetics symposium and inquired about their willingness to include these services in their practice.

Most of the PCPs rarely or never request genetic testing (64.8%), and 42 (33.6%) have never requested a genetic test. Similarly, 30% have never performed genetic counseling and 34.7% rarely perform genetic counseling. Lack of knowledge and expertise were considered major barriers. After attending the genetics symposium, many PCPs expressed their willingness to start doing genetic testing or referring to genetic testing, and many more answered that they will start counseling or referring to counseling.

This study shows that genetic testing and counseling services are underutilized by Arab PCPs in the Middle East. Education may improve their use of and referral to these services.