Tensions between policy makers and general practitioners in implementing new genetics: grounded theory interview study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore general practitioners' perceptions of their role in implementing genetic technology.


METHODS
Grounded theory interview study.


METHODS
Primary care.


METHODS
Purposive sample of 30 general practitioners with a further theoretical sample of 14.


RESULTS
Inconsistencies were identified between policy makers' and general practitioners' definitions of general practitioners' role in implementing the new genetics. General practitioners emphasised the need to build on current practice, whereas policy makers focused on transforming practice to include the new specialised roles and skills. Two core themes were identified: genetics in a generalist context, which included appropriate generalist intervention, the ethical dilemmas implicit in the "therapeutic gap," the familial-hereditary distinction in primary care, and the implications for generalist identity, including the potential marginalisation of generalism.


CONCLUSIONS
New technologies such as genetics that require implementation in general practice should be integrated within existing generalist frameworks.
Kumar
S
S
Department of Primary Medical Care, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 5ST. skk@soton.ac.uk
Gantley
M
M
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D006113:United Kingdom