Genetic Competencies Essential for Health Care Professionals in Primary Care

Abstract

The completion of the sequencing of the human genome in 2003 signaled the onset of the genomic era in health care. The knowledge gleaned from the Human Genome Project has led to the understanding that every health problem has a genetic component and that clinicians should include the application of genetic information in all aspects of health care. This article describes the genetic competencies essential for all health care professionals in primary care. Health care professionals should augment their current practice by obtaining a multigenerational genetic family history for each patient, assessing all patients for potentially heritable conditions, providing referrals to genetic health professionals as needed, offering genetic testing when indicated, and considering an individual's genetic makeup in the selection of medications and treatments for that person. Finally, all health care professionals ought to be prepared to address the complex personal, cultural, theological, ethical, legal, and social issues associated with genetic testing and other genetic issues commonly encountered in clinical practice.

Primary care providers’ cancer genetic testing-related knowledge, attitudes, and communication behaviors: A systematic review and research agenda

“…[59][60][61] As gatekeepers, PCPs need to know how to interpret genetic test results, understand when to refer and ask for second opinions of genetic professionals, 59,62,63 and address complex personal, cultural, ethical, legal, and social issues associated with genetic testing. 59 This review confirmed relatively low levels of objective and subjective genetic testing-related knowledge among PCPs.…”

A systematic review of factors that act as barriers to patient referral to genetic services

“…13,31,37,38 However, research has shown that many HCPs practising in primary care do not have genetic competence, that is, they do not possess the necessary genetic knowledge or skills to fulfil such roles. [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] Researchers investigating HCPs' genetic competence, practice and/ or behaviour, have mainly collected data via surveys and questionnaires where HCPs self-report information. 27,37,[43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51] There are limitations in these types of studies regarding the validity of the data obtained in terms of how much they reflect the actual situation.…”

Guest Editorial: Family Nursing in the Era of Genomic Health Care

“…In 2000, members of the National Coalition of Health Care Professional Education in Genetics-an interdisciplinary group representing more than 120 diverse health professional organizations, consumer and voluntary groups, government agencies, private industries, managed-care organizations, and genetics professional societies-developed and agreed on a list of core competences in genetics (Engstrom, Sefton, Matheson, & Healy, 2005;Van Riper & Gallo, 2005). These competencies represent the minimum knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for health care professionals from all disciplines to provide patient care that involves awareness of genetic issues and concerns.…”