Obstetrician-gynecologists' opinions and attitudes on the role of geneticsin women's health

Our objective was to describe gynecologists' current practice patterns and opinions on genetic screening and their perceived importance of genetic scr eening within individual practices. A questionnaire survey was sent to 1248 American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) Fellows, of whom 564 (45%) responded. Results from the 428 respondents providing genetic screeni ng for heritable diseases or disorders are reported. Forty-four percent of respondents believe advances in the treatment of genetic diseases are likel y in the next 10 years. Currently, however, genetics in gynecological pract ice receives infrequent attention. Twenty-four percent of respondents do no t routinely review family histories at gynecological visits, 39% rate genet ic issues as last among priorities in the office, and only 14% obtain conse nt for the DNA tests that they initiate. Although 21.3% identified themselv es as sole providers of genetic information and counseling to their patient s, most (65.4%) note they are not confident of their knowledge of genetics, particularly concerning breast and ovarian cancer. For obstetrician-gyneco logists to keep pace with the rapid changes in genetics, further education and assimilation of genetics into the routine office practice will need to occur. Not currently viewed as a priority among practitioners, issues of ge netic knowledge, ethics, and test interpretation will soon need attention. National organizations, continuing medical education, and existing genetic centers will need to meet these recognized demands.