title: Comparison of activities and attitudes of general practitioners concerning genetic counseling over a 10-year time-span.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the activities and attitudes of general practitioners (GPs) concerning genetic counseling have changed between 1989 and 1999. In 1989 a random sample of 124 GPs in The Netherlands was selected. Of these GPs, 98 were contacted again in 1999 and 71 completed the questionnaire. The study showed an increase in the percentage of GPs who provided genetic counseling when a risk factor for having a child with a congenital disorder was present and known. In both 1989 and 1999, the GPs seldom used a recommended combination of oral and written information, and only data that was available in the databases on the risk indicator 'use of medication' increased over the years. GPs are still supporters of a directive method of counseling, and seem to believe that the main goal of genetic counseling is to prevent hereditary and congenital disorders. Although, between 1989 and 1999 more GPs provided genetic counseling when a risk indicator was present and known or referred to a clinical geneticist, only limited improvement was found in the activities of GPs to attempt to collect these data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Genetics and Human Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mjh.baars@vumc.nl
authors.forename: Marieke J H
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Baars
authors.forename: Denhard J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: de Smit
authors.forename: Miranda W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Langendam
authors.forename: Herman J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Adèr
authors.forename: Leo P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: ten Kate
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010819:Physician's Role; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires