Oral

Translational and educational research have critical roles to play if public health is to benefit from new knowledge and technical advances in the field of genomics. This session explores both physician and public understanding of various aspects of genetics, while highlighting new efforts to improve education of physicians and social and behavioral science researchers. One presentation will discuss feedback received on web-based materials designed to educate physicians about recommendations for genetic testing for Lynch syndrome. Another examines current awareness by a variety of types of physicians of guidelines for hereditary hemochromatosis genetic testing. Another presentation using data from the 2007 HealthStyles survey will report on awareness and use of controversial direct to consumer genetic testing services. As part of the effort to educate healthcare providers about the importance of family history, a multi-disciplinary working group has developed recommendations to guide its incorporation into practice, and these will be discussed. Additionally, a new program to educate social and behavioral researchers about genetics will be introduced, and its goal of encouraging incorporation of genetics into prevention-based public health efforts will be explored. In short, this session promises to expand attendees’ understanding of how genomic information is currently being viewed and used by both health care providers and the public, while exploring educational efforts to ensure its beneficial impact in the future.

Session Objectives: 1)Discuss two projects that have examined physician understanding of genetic testing recommendations and educational programs for this group. 2)Describe the public’s current level of use of available direct-to-consumer genetic testing. 3)Describe two educational efforts that target incorporation of genetic and family history information into healthcare practice and research.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)