Background. In response to growing demands on genetics departments and adva
nces in genetic medicine, it has been proposed that primary care should pro
vide a frontline service in clinical genetics. However, there are concerns
that primary care may be unwilling or ill prepared to take on this new role
.
Objectives. This study aimed to review systematically the literature explor
ing the role of primary care in delivering genetic services, and define pot
ential methods of supporting primary care in the provision of genetics serv
ices.
Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched. This was complemented by
contacting experts in the field and handsearching reference lists. In tota
l, 230 papers were identified, including traditional reviews, of which 96 w
ere examined in detail. Fifty-one papers are included in this review. On ac
count of the heterogeneity of papers identified, we conducted a qualitative
synthesis of the results, focusing on five key questions.
Results. GPs accept that they have an increasing role to play in genetics,
but lack confidence in their ability to do so because of limited knowledge
of clinical genetics. Evidence from pilot studies of cystic fibrosis screen
ing provides the strongest evidence for the feasibility of providing geneti
c services in primary care.
Conclusions. Although genetic issues currently constitute a relatively smal
l part of the overall workload in primary care, this will almost certainly
change in the light of new genetic discoveries. Educational programmes and
referral guidelines, computer decision support and genetic nurse specialist
outreach clinics may provide useful methods of supporting GPs in the new f
ield of primary care genetics.