Genetics and Genomics in Clinical Practice: The Views of Wisconsin Physicians. WMJ 2017 Jun;116(2):69-74
Date
01/13/2018Pubmed ID
29323820Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85026317737 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 17 CitationsAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Decreasing costs and increased availability of genetic testing and genome sequencing mean many physicians will consider using these services over the next few years. Despite this promising future, some argue the present roadmap for translating genetics and genomics into routine clinical practice is unclear.
OBJECTIVE: We conducted a pilot study to explore Wisconsin physicians' views, practices and educational desires regarding genetic and genomic testing.
METHODS: Our study consists of an Internet survey (n=155) conducted in August and September 2015 and follow-up phone interviews with a portion of survey participants. Physicians of all specialties were invited to participate. Variables measured include physicians' general knowledge and experience regarding genetic and genomic testing, attitudes and perceptions toward these tests, testing intentions, and educational desires. Sociodemographic variables included gender, age, and medical specialty.
RESULTS: In our exploratory survey of Wisconsin physicians, adult primary care providers (PCPs) lagged behind other providers in terms of familiarity and experience with genetic and genomic testing. PCPs in our sample were less likely than other physicians to feel their training in genetics and genomics is adequate. Physicians younger than 50 were more likely than older colleagues to feel their training is adequate.
CONCLUSIONS: Our exploratory study suggests a gap in physician education and understanding regarding genomic testing, which is fast becoming part of personalized medical care. Future studies with larger samples should examine ways for physicians to close this gap, with special focus on the needs of PCPs.
Author List
McCauley MP, Marcus RK, Strong KA, Visotcky AM, Shimoyama ME, Derse ARAuthors
Arthur R. Derse MD, JD Director, Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of WisconsinAlexis M. Visotcky Biostatistician III in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Age FactorsAttitude of Health Personnel
Genetic Testing
Genomics
Health Care Surveys
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Physicians
Pilot Projects
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Wisconsin
