Genetics educational needs in China: physicians’ experience and knowledge of genetic testing

• Published in: Genetics in medicine Vol. 17; no. 9; pp. 757 - 760
• Main Authors: Li, Jing, Xu, Tengda, Yashar, Beverly M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Nature Publishing Group US 01.09.2015; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: 631/208/2489; 706/648/160; Adult; Attitude; Attitude of Health Personnel; Biomedicine; brief-report; China; Clinical Competence; Education, Medical, Continuing - trends; Female; Genetic Testing - statistics & numerical data; Genetic Testing - trends; Genetics, Medical - education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel; Human Genetics; Humans; Knowledge; Laboratory Medicine; Male; Physicians; Surveys and Questionnaires; education; experience; attitudes; genetic testing; knowledge
• ISSN: 1098-3600; 1530-0366
• DOI: 10.1038/gim.2014.182

Purpose: The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between physicians’ knowledge and utilization of genetic testing and to explore genetics educational needs in China. Methods: An anonymous survey about experience, attitudes, and knowledge of genetic testing was conducted among physicians affiliated with Peking Union Medical College Hospital during their annual health evaluation. A personal genetics knowledge score was developed and predictors of personal genetics knowledge score were evaluated. Results: Sixty-four physicians (33% male) completed the survey. Fifty-eight percent of them had used genetic testing in their clinical practice. Using a 4-point scale, mean knowledge scores of six common genetic testing techniques ranged from 1.7 ± 0.9 to 2.4 ± 1.0, and the average personal genetics knowledge score was 2.1 ± 0.8. In regression analysis, significant predictors of higher personal genetics knowledge score were ordering of genetic testing, utilization of pedigrees, higher medical degree, and recent genetics training ( P < 0.05). Sixty-six percent of physicians indicated a desire for specialized genetic services, and 84% reported a desire for additional genetics education. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a sizable gap between Chinese physicians’ knowledge and utilization of genetic testing. Participants had high self-perceived genetics educational needs. Development of genetics educational platforms is both warranted and desired in China. Genet Med 17 9, 757–760.