The 'new genetics' and primary care: GPs' views on their role and their educational needs

Background. Given the limited specialist resources available to cope with t he rising demand for genetic services, it has been proposed that at least s ome of these services are provided by primary care in the future. Objective. We aimed to explore GPs' attitudes towards new developments in g enetics, to establish the role they envisage for primary care and to clearl y define the education, information and training needed to support them in this role. Methods. We carried out a qualitative study with GPs using four focus group s (26 GPs) and 15 individual semi-structured interviews. Results. GPs perceive genetics as an important and increasingly relevant to pic for primary care. Views on the appropriate level of involvement for pri mary care are mixed. GPs currently lack the relevant knowledge and skills t o manage patients concerned about their family history. Other potential bar riers to increasing primary care involvement included the time and costs in volved, and ethical and legal concerns. Conclusion. If primary care is to become more involved in the delivery of g enetic services in the future, then a major educational effort is required to raise awareness of the potential scope and limitations of new developmen ts.