Genetics in Primary Care

archived

The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to form a Genetics in Primary Care Institute. Our rapidly changing health care delivery system brings to the forefront the role of the primary care physician to ensure appropriate care for patients. Initiated in 1990, the mapping of the human genome and other research are leading toward a better understanding of the genetic basis of disease, thereby underscoring the need for primary care physicians to be cognizant of how new developments impact on health promotion, prevention, detection, and management of genetic conditions. The Maternal and Child Health Bureau/Genetic Services Branch, Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA/MCHB/GSB) previously had funded a contract for the Genetics in Primary Care for the integration of genetic medicine into primary care teaching curriculum in a variety of settings in 20 medical schools. In addition, the initiative developed teaching tools for faculty (url) and planned, implemented, and evaluated outcomes of the training programs. This contract was jointly funded with the Bureau of Health Professions, HRSA, the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. Unfortunately, many primary care providers still lack knowledge and confidence in providing genetic-based services, ranging from understanding of basic genetics, to collecting and interpreting family health histories, to ordering, interpreting and acting upon genetic tests. This initiative will provide models, best practices, and dissemination strategies for ensuring optimal integration of genetic medicine content and concepts into primary care practice.

High