In a context of future generalization of access to genetic risk profiles, general practitioners (GP) will have a major role to play. The objective of this study was to understand their attitude towards this approach and the potential consequences on their practice.
In 2018, the University Center of General Medicine and Public Health of Lausanne, the Department of Primary Care Medicine of the University Hospitals of Geneva, and the Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Lausanne set up a study with patients and general practitioners concerning the access to genetic risk profiles. The GPs attitude, the subject of this study, was explored using the two-round Delphi consensus method. 120 interns and senior clinicians responded to 24 statements.
A consensus was reached for 80% of the statements. The GP’s significant role in terms of access to genetic profiles became evident, even if their position seems conditioned by their position as front-line health workers, and doubts remain as to the impact of this process in guiding their practice. The need for training was widely emphasized as well as the possibility multidisciplinary support and management. There was also a consensus for the need of a legislative framework for these practices.
This study has underlined the importance of anticipating the needs in developing an advanced and evolving training and information program for GPs in the domain of genomic medicine in light of the prevention activities that could result.