Genetics and genetic testing: are GPs likely to attend training courses?
BACKGROUND
GPs must make difficult screening and diagnostic decisions regarding genetic testing for different cancers. Educational programs may improve knowledge and enable more appropriate referral.


METHODS
A postal survey of all general practitioners (GPs) in Northern Ireland (N = 534; response rate = 49.4%) asked GPs if they would attend 3 different types of training courses in genetics.


RESULTS
Almost 75% indicated that they would be likely and/or very likely to attend such courses. Women and GPs who had been qualified recently were most likely to attend (P < .005, P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that GPs are interested in training courses. Male GPs and GPs who have been qualified for longer should be specifically targeted.
McCann
Siobhan
S
School of Nursing, University of Ulster, Magee, Northland Road, Londonderry, UK. sm.mccann@ulster.ac.uk
Macauley
Domhnall
D
Barnett
Yvonne
Y
D003625:Data Collection; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000941:ethics; D009660:Northern Ireland; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D005819:Genetic Markers