Should family doctors counsel patients on genetic testing and screening?

Abstract

Family Doctors are in an ideal situation to counsel patients on most medical technologies and new developments. In this sense they are in the best position to guide and counsel patients on genetic testing and screening. Indeed most often it is the patient who seeks counsel from the Family Doctor (General Practitioner). The special nature of genetic tests and the potential to exploit people's money with dubious testing puts the doctor in a special situation. Whilst it is argued that the Family Doctor maintains a strategic position to impart information to the patient, it is also argued that the new nature of genetic tests and the way the family may be affected, (including the multitude of ethical dilemmas these tests may pose), favours the position that Family Doctors should be the health professionals who should impart generic genetic counselling. Specialised genetic counsellors may then continue to dedicate their time to special cases. Tests should not be made available over-the-counter. It is the onus of the Family Doctor to refer patients for further counseling should this be necessary. Colleges and Academies of Family Physicians are in the ideal place to outpace industry especially in second and third world countries.