Abstract
Purpose
Genetic tests have become widely available. We sought to understand the use of genetic
tests in the practice of frontline clinicians within the United States Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Methods
We administered a web-based survey to clinicians at 20 VA facilities. Physicians,
nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists were eligible. We excluded
genetics providers and clinicians not seeing patients. We used multiple logistic regression
to evaluate the associations between clinician characteristics and experience with
genetics.
Results
The response rate was 11.3% (1207/10,680) and of these, 909 respondents were eligible.
Only 20.8% of the respondents reported feeling prepared to use genetic tests and 13.0%
of the respondents were currently ordering genetic tests; although, it was usually
only 1 or 2 a year. Delivery of genetic tests without involving genetics providers
was preferred by only 7.9% of the respondents. Characteristics positively associated
with currently ordering genetic tests included practice in clinical and research settings,
believing improving genetics knowledge could alter their practice, feeling prepared
to use genetic tests, and referral of at least 1 patient to genetics in the past year.
Conclusion
Most VA clinicians don’t feel prepared to use genetic tests. Those with genetic testing
experience are more likely to consult genetics providers. The demand for genetics
providers should increase as frontline clinicians use genetic tests in their practice.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 27, 2022
Accepted:
September 22,
2022
Received in revised form:
September 19,
2022
Received:
April 1,
2022
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.
