title: A systematic review of factors that act as barriers to patient referral to genetic services.
abstract: Patients who might benefit from genetic services may be denied access through failure to be referred. To investigate the evidence on barriers to referral to genetic services, we conducted a systematic review of empirical evidence on this topic. Nine studies were included in the review. Barriers related to non-genetic healthcare professionals were: lack of awareness of patient risk factors, failure to obtain adequate family history, lack of knowledge of genetics and genetic conditions, lack of awareness of genetic services, inadequate coordination of referral and lack of genetics workforce. Those related to individuals affected by or at risk of a genetic condition were: lack of awareness of personal risk, lack of knowledge and/or awareness of medical history of family members and lack of knowledge of genetic services. Research on access to genetic services is heterogeneous; stronger empirical evidence is needed on factors that are barriers, and further research is needed to develop 'targeted interventions' for equitable access to genetic services in a range of populations.
authors.affiliation: 1] Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK [2] Clinical Genetics Clinic, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
authors.forename: Türem
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Delikurt
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Graham R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.affiliation: Clinical Genetics Clinic, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
authors.forename: Violetta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Anastasiadou
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Skirton
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*