Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate what physicians did for patients with genetic disorders and their families, and to clarify physicians'need and level of knowledge regarding genetic counseling.
Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 57 medical doctors who worked at a university hospital, from which there were 30 respondents.
Sixteen of the 30 respondent physicians had experience of practice with and/ or research into patients with genetic disorders. Though most of them provided medical information about the disorder and the genetic risk to patients/families, they evaluated that their services were not sufficient for reasons such as a Jack of time. The physicians had little knowledge of genetic counselor, but those who had some experience of practice with and/or research into patients with genetic disorders felt the necessity of specialist on genetic counseling more frequently compared to those who did not. Whether they had any relevant experience or not, more than half of the respondents stated that non-physician genetic counselor was necessary.
We conclude that a genetic counselor system should be established as soon as possible, and also that education and enlightenment activities regarding genetic counseling are needed for physicians and all medical professionals.
