Primary-care providers' perceived barriers to integration of genetics services: a systematic review of the literature

Genet Med. 2015 Mar;17(3):169-76. doi: 10.1038/gim.2014.101. Epub 2014 Sep 11.

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to systematically review the literature to identify primary-care providers' perceived barriers against provision of genetics services.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and ERIC using key and Boolean term combinations for articles published from 2001 to 2012 that met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Specific barriers were identified and aggregated into categories based on topic similarity. These categories were then grouped into themes.

Results: Of the 4,174 citations identified by the search, 38 publications met inclusion criteria. There were 311 unique barriers that were classified into 38 categories across 4 themes: knowledge and skills; ethical, legal, and social implications; health-care systems; and scientific evidence. Barriers most frequently mentioned by primary-care providers included a lack of knowledge about genetics and genetic risk assessment, concern for patient anxiety, a lack of access to genetics, and a lack of time.

Conclusion: Although studies reported that primary-care providers perceive genetics as being important, barriers to the integration of genetics medicine into routine patient care were identified. The promotion of practical guidelines, point-of-care risk assessment tools, tailored educational tools, and other systems-level strategies will assist primary-care providers in providing genetics services for their patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Services*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Physicians, Primary Care*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*