RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Genetic susceptibility to cancer. Family physicians' experience.
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 45
OP 52
VO 49
IS 1
A1 June C Carroll
A1 Judith Belle Brown
A1 Sean Blaine
A1 Gord Glendon
A1 Patricia Pugh
A1 Wendy Medved
YR 2003
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/49/1/45.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE To explore family physicians' experiences in dealing with genetic susceptibility to cancer. DESIGN Qualitative study using focus groups. SETTING Four Ontario sites: northern, rural, urban, and inner city. PARTICIPANTS Forty rural and urban FPs participated in four focus groups: 28 were male; average age was 41. METHOD Focus groups using a semistructured interview guide were audiotaped and transcribed. The constant comparative method of data analysis was used. Key words and concepts were identified. Data were sorted using NUD*IST software. MAIN FINDINGS Participants realized the escalating expectations for genetic testing and its effect on family practice. They explored an expanded role for themselves in genetic testing. Possible activities included risk assessment, gatekeeping, and ordering genetic tests. They were concerned about the complexity of genetic testing, the lack of evidence regarding management, and the implications for families. CONCLUSION We must help FPs struggling to integrate genetics into their practices, by addressing their concerns, enhancing the way they communicate information on genetics, and developing appropriate educational tools.