Genetic discrimination: the clinician perspective

Clin Genet. 2004 Oct;66(4):311-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2004.00303.x.

Abstract

Clinicians attending continuing education sessions in California were surveyed about their beliefs and attitudes regarding genetic discrimination and their knowledge of protective legislation. Two hundred seventy-one surveys were collected from physicians (n = 191) and nurses (n = 80). Most respondents lacked information or were misinformed about the existence of protective legislation (58.3%) or published cases of insurance discrimination (85.2%); 52.4% believed that mutation carriers have difficulty obtaining health insurance; 13% would not encourage genetic testing, despite a family history of cancer. Clinician concerns about potential genetic discrimination, and lack of information regarding protective legislation, may influence access to care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Counseling
  • Genetic Privacy
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Insurance
  • Nurses / psychology*
  • Physicians / psychology*