Objectives: To report on Finnish physicians' attitudes towards genetic screening and on their willingness to know their own predisposition to diseases. Methods: The study was based on a questionnaire survey mailed to gynecologists, pediatricians, general practitioners and clinical geneticists. Both leading physicians (all professors and specialist head physicians of hospital units) and a sample of other practitioners were included. The response rate was 74% (n=571). Results: In case of hypothetical future uses, physicians preferred genetic testing of individuals to screening of a general population. Their preferences were differentiated by diseases and target groups. Breast and colon cancer, familial hypercholesterolemia and juvenile diabetes were most often suggested to be screened and Huntington's disease (19% of physicians) and schizophrenia (18%) least often. The most popular target group was the whole population, but for diseases starting early on, young age groups were the suggested targets. Leading pediatricians supported screening most. One third wanted to know their own risk for genetically linked diseases, and these physicians supported different screening procedures in general more than other physicians did. Only 16% of physicians wanted to participate in genetic tests themselves. Conclusions: Finnish physicians' attitudes towards genetic screening were not uniform, and physicians do no take a stand on genetic screening as a whole but differentiate by diseases and target groups.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will 1. have new insight on the views and attitudes of physicians, 2. get an example how successfully approach health professionals to learn their views
Keywords: Caregivers, Genetics
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.