Preparing for Personalized Medicine: Improving Genetic Screening Resources for Primary Care Providers

Abstract

Due to the expansion of genetics testing and the current strain on the genetics services workforce, Primary Care Providers (PCPs) will have to play a growing role in the management of of patients with genetics needs. However, PCPs do not have the knowledge or support to take on this role. This study used semi-structured interviews with 12 PCPs in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States to gather information on the types of resources PCPs believe would best support them in this role. PCPs in this study reported needing organized and prioritized information, accessible, easy-to-use screening tools, supplementary support from specialists, and, finally, accessible and understandable patient-facing resources. These findings can inform the development of an expanded suite of genetic screening-related resources for PCPs.