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Genetic Testing: A survey of New Zealand General Practitioners' knowledge and current practice

Date of publication: April 2003

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Summary

This report was commissioned by the National Health Committee to find out about current practice and training needs of GPs in relation to genetic testing in NZ. A postal questionnaire was sent to a national randomly selected sample of 600 GPs.

The results of the survey showed that GPs have little experience with less common genetic conditions. While many responding GPs had ordered tests for haemochromatosis in the previous 12 months, most had never ordered or referred patients with Huntington’s disease or myotonic dystrophy. Nevertheless, as the number and availability of genetic tests increases, GPs will need to know when to refer patients, the conditions they should be referring, and be able to discuss the tests and results with their patients. Most GPs felt they needed to know more about genetic testing to fill this role. They also exhibited a limited knowledge of genetics or how to access genetic advice.

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Publication availability

This publication is available in PDF format below:

Genetic Testing: A survey of New Zealand General Practitioners' knowledge and current practice (PDF, 177 KB)

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