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General practitioners' views on genomics, practice and education: A qualitative interview study
Marie Brigitte Cusack1, Chriselle Hickerton2, Amy Nisselle3
1BPharm, Program Leader (GP Education), NSW Health Centre for Genetics Education, St Leonards, NSW.
Background And Objectives:
Genomics is moving rapidly into mainstream medicine through clinical genomic testing and consumer-initiated online DNA testing. The aim of this study was to identify Australian general practitioners' (GPs') views on genomics, impact on practice and educational needs to inform continuing education.
Method:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with constant comparative inductive analysis and governance from a national taskforce.
Results:
Twenty-eight GPs (43% female) were interviewed; 71% worked in a metropolitan workplace. Most initially reported little experience with genetic/genomic tests but, when prompted, recognised encountering genomics, mainly non-invasive prenatal and single-gene tests. Many GPs referred patients for cancer screening to genetic services or specialists. GPs reported needing continuing education and resources, with preferences underpinned by relevance to practice.
Discussion:
GPs are integrating genomic testing into care, mainly through prenatal screening, and anticipate further impact. They want diverse and context-dependent education but are unaware of some available resources, such as The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' Genomics in general practice guideline.
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