Gynecologists' training, knowledge, and experiences in genetics: a survey

200

152

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge of genetics and awareness of genetic tests among Dutch general practitioners (GPs), gynecologists (GYNs), and pediatricians (PEDs), as well as factors influencing their knowledge and awareness. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire inquiry was used, validated with a sample of 52 clinical geneticists (CGs). The study was carried out in primary care (general practice) and secondary care (general and university hospitals) in The Netherlands. A random sample of 200 GPs, 300 GYNs, and 265 PEDs received a questionnaire. In addition, all registered CGs (58) received a questionnaire for validation. In total, 122 GPs, 187 GYNs, 164 PEDs, and 52 CGs returned a completed questionnaire. The main outcome measures were differences in knowledge scores between physicians working in different disciplines and factors influencing these scores. Results: Knowledge scores of GPs (mean 64% correct answers, 61%-66% [95% confidence interval]), GYNs (mean 75% correct answers, 73%-76% [95% confidence interval]), and PEDs (mean 81% correct answers, 79%-82% [95% confidence interval]) were lower than those in the CG validation group (mean 95% correct answers, 94%-96% [95% confidence interval]). The 5th percentile of GPs, GYNs, and PEDs was at approximately 40%, 52% and 62% correct answers, respectively. There was a specific lack of knowledge about DNA testing. In addition to specialty, important factors positively associated with the knowledge scores of nongeneticists are more recent graduation, having taken an elective course in genetics, and providing genetic counseling in their own practice. Conclusion:The overall knowledge levels of genetics in many nongeneticist health care providers show clear deficiencies. This is in line with reports from other countries, showing that these deficiencies are a global problem.Genet Med 2005:7(9):605-610.

Section: Factors Associated With Knowledgecontrasting

confidence: 83%

Deficiency of knowledge of genetics and genetic tests among general practitioners, gynecologists, and pediatricians: A global problem

Baars

Henneman

Kate

2005

200

152

“…In fact, in our sample (as in other studies of health care professionals), exposure to genetics/genomics or PHG training 28,34 (and higher levels of education 35 ) were associated with better genomic knowledge and awareness. Moreover, respondents with CHES certification were more aware of efforts made in health promotion regarding PHG, most likely because of the need to maintain themselves up-to-date for certification purposes.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 60%

Public Health Genomics knowledge and attitudes: A survey of public health educators in the United States

Chen

Goodson

2007

Purpose: This study assessed U.S. public health educators' attitudes toward genomic competencies, their awareness of efforts in the health promotion field to promote/incorporate genomics, and their basic & applied genomic knowledge. Methods: A total of 1607 public health educators, nationwide, responded to a web-based survey. Results: The sample comprised predominantly white (76.8%) female (83.9%) participants, with an average age of 40.1 years and 11.2 years of practice in public health education/promotion. Generally, participants had negative attitudes toward genomic competencies, low awareness, and deficient genomic knowledge. Although various socioeconomic characteristics (e.g., ethnicity, gender, and educational level) correlated with participants' attitudes, awareness, and genomic knowledge, training in genetics/genomics or public health genomics also exhibited a positive association. After we controlled for socioeconomic factors, awareness, training, and genomic knowledge remained significantly associated with respondents' attitudes toward genomic competencies. Conclusion:Although this sample of public health educators had unfavorable attitudes and limited genomic knowledge, training seems to affect these variables. Thus, relevant training for this group of health professionals should be developed and advocated. Continuing education tools, focusing on public health genomics content, might be a venue for delivery of information and the development of favorable professional attitudes. Genet Med 2007:9(8):496-503.

“…This association between knowledge scores and gender was not found in other studies on genetics knowledge among physicians in the Netherlands (Baars MJH et al, unpublished data, 2005). 4,6 In general, no differences were found between students from different medical schools, except that students from one medical school (A) scored significantly lower, compared to those from two of the other six medical schools (E and G).…”

Section: Genetic Knowledge Among Medical Studentsmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…Several studies have shown that many nongenetic health care providers lack the necessary knowledge and skills to react appropriately to the increasing demands of patients. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] One possible cause of this reported lack of knowledge and skills is deficiency in the medical curriculum. In the Netherlands, medical undergraduate education takes a minimum of 6 years of theoretical and practical work at one of eight universities.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Deficient knowledge of genetics relevant for daily practice among medical students nearing graduation

Baars

Scherpbier²,

Henneman

et al. 2005

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the knowledge of genetics relevant for daily practice among medical students nearing graduation in the Netherlands was sufficient to react appropriately to the change of relevance of genetics in medicine. Methods: A computer examination validated in a group of clinical geneticists, medical students nearing graduation, and nonmedical students. The examination consisted of 215 genetic questions classified by the designers into three categories of relevance: "essential" knowledge (requirement: Ͼ 95% correct answers), "desirable" knowledge (requirement: Ͼ 60% correct answers), and "too specialized" knowledge (no requirement). To set an independent standard, the questions were also judged by clinical geneticists and nongenetic health care providers in an Angoff procedure. In total, 291 medical students nearing graduation from seven out of the eight medical schools in the Netherlands participated. Results: As expected, the mean score for "essential" knowledge (71.63%, 95% CI 70.74 -72.52) was higher than for "desirable" knowledge (55.99%, 95% CI 55.08 -56.90); the mean score for "too specialized" knowledge (44.40%, was the lowest. According to passing scores set for "essential" knowledge as defined by the designers, the clinical geneticists, and the nongenetic health care providers, only 0%, 26%, and 3%, respectively, of the participants would have passed. Conclusions: Medical students nearing graduation lack genetic knowledge that is essential for daily practice. Therefore, changes should be made in the medical curricula. Genet Med 2005:7(5):295-301.