title: GenetiKit: a randomized controlled trial to enhance delivery of genetics services by family physicians.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients look to their family physicians (FPs) for credible information and guidance in making informed choices about genetic testing. FPs are challenged by lack of knowledge and the rapid pace of genetic discovery. There is an urgent need for effective interventions to facilitate integration of genetics into family medicine.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine if a multi-faceted knowledge translation intervention would improve skills, including referral decisions, confidence in core genetics competencies and knowledge.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial involving FPs in four communities in Ontario, Canada (two urban and two rural). The intervention consisted of an interactive educational workshop, portfolio of practical clinical genetics tools and knowledge service called Gene Messenger. Outcome measures included appropriate genetics referral decisions in response to 10 breast cancer scenarios, decisional difficulty, self-reported confidence in 11 genetics core competencies, 3 knowledge questions and evaluation of intervention components 6 months afterwards.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the one hundred and twenty-five FPs randomized, 80 (64%) completed the study (33 control, 47 intervention). Intervention FPs had significantly higher appropriate referral decision scores [6.4/10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.8-6.9] control, 7.8/10 (95% CI 7.4-8.2) intervention] and overall self-reported confidence on core genetics competencies [37.9/55 (95% CI 35.1-40.7) control, 47.0/55 (95% CI 44.9-49.2) intervention]. Over 90% of FPs wanted to continue receiving Gene Messengers and would recommend them to colleagues. No significant differences were found in decisional difficulty or knowledge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated that a complex educational intervention was able to significantly improve practice intent for clinical genetics scenarios found in primary care, as well as confidence in genetics skills.
authors: Ray D. Wolfe Department of Family Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. jcarroll@mtsinai.on.ca
authors: June C
authors: JC
authors: Carroll
authors: Brenda J
authors: BJ
authors: Wilson
authors: Judith
authors: J
authors: Allanson
authors: Jeremy
authors: J
authors: Grimshaw
authors: Sean M
authors: SM
authors: Blaine
authors: Wendy S
authors: WS
authors: Meschino
authors: Joanne A
authors: JA
authors: Permaul
authors: Ian D
authors: ID
authors: Graham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D003657:Decision Making; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires