title: 'The edge effect': an exploratory study of some factors affecting referrals to cancer genetic services in rural Wales.
abstract: This exploratory study examines the role of rurality in referrals from primary care to the Cancer Genetics Service for Wales (CGSW) through a case study of referrals from Montgomeryshire, a predominantly rural area in mid-Wales located adjacent to the English border. Awareness of CGSW amongst practitioners is low. We found that rurality plays a role in referral behaviour as distance, time travelling and accessibility by car and public transport are all perceived to have an impact on the patient's decision to attend a clinic appointment. Some patients are being referred outside Wales as ease of access to services is considered more important than distance.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Genetics Service for Wales, Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK. rachel.iredale@cardiffandvale.wales.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iredale
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Jonathon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deaville
mesh_terms: D001364:Awareness; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012424:Rural Population; D014852:Wales