Many people expect that future advances in genetic science will result in the availability of tests to identify genetic responses to drug metabolism and susceptibility for common disorders. These are predicted to result in interventions—medical or lifestyle—tailored to a person's genetic make-up. Others are more sceptical. Whatever one's view is about the future, however, it is important to ensure that patients and their families can take full advantage of the benefits that genetic information and testing can offer now.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BurkeS.BedwardJ.ThomasH.Genetic education for non-genetics SpRs: a needs analysis (2005) Birmingham: University of Birmingham
2.
BurkeS.BennettC.BedwardJ.The experiences and preferences of people receiving genetic information from healthcare professionals. Education and Development Centre (2007) Birmingham: NHS National Geneticswww.geneticseducation.nhs.uk [date last accessed 30.06.2008]
3.
Cancer Research UK. CancerStats: genes and cancer (2002) London: Cancer Research UK
4.
FarndonP.MartynM.StoneA.Genetics in primary care. Curriculum statement6. (2007) Royal College of General Practitioners www.rcgp-curriculum.org.uk [date last accessed 01.07.2008]
5.
HopkinsonI.Clinical context of genetics in primary care. Presentation at: Reality not hype: the new genetics in primary care (2004) www.londonideas.org [date last accessed 06.2008]
6.
LucassenA.WatsonE.HarcourtJ.Guidelines for referral to a regional genetics service: GPs respond by referring more appropriate cases. Family Practice (2001) 18: p. 135–40
RafiI.BurtonH.Genetics education and the general practitioner. Education for Primary Care (2007) 18: p. 136–39
9.
Royal College of General Practitioners. Genetics in primary care: a report from the RCGP North West England Faculty Genetics Group. Occasional Paper 77 (1998) London: RCGP