Beliefs and Self-Perceived Competence of General Practitioners, Gynaecologists and Paediatricians with regard to Genetic Testing

The objective was to investigate several aspects of the medical competence of general practitioners (GPs), gynaecologists (GYNs) and paediatricians (PEDs) by assessing their beliefs and self-perceived competence with regard to genetic testing. A questionnaire was sent to randomly selected GPs (n=200), GYNs (n=300) and PEDs (n=265). The response rate for GPs, GYNs and PEDs was 64%, 69% and 72%, respectively. 35% of GPs, 44% of GYNs and 54% of PEDs were likely to routinely offer a predictive test for treatable common disorders, even when others in their specialty would not do so. Approximately 20% of the physicians thought that prenatal testing for hereditary breast cancer was appropriate, and between 1/3 and 1/2 thought that for sickle cell anaemia and almost all for DMD and CF. Furthermore, 53% would personally counsel a couple about prenatal diagnosis before referring them. 19% would express their personal opinion about prenatal diagnosis and 7% would do so about pregnancy termination. Approximately 10% of the physicians would disclose information about a predictive test for HD without permission to the patient's children. The majority of physicians felt confident that they could cope with all test-related situations. These physicians had few reservations about routinely offering predictive testing if it was not standard practice. Beliefs about prenatal testing varied widely. Most physicians perceived their competence as adequate. However, attention should be paid to the tendency towards directive counselling and the disclosure of information to third parties, because the attitudes of some physicians were not in line with current guidelines.