A systematic review of consumers' knowledge, attitudes and experiences of primary health professionals' role in genomic medicine.

Abstract

The integration of genetic testing into primary care is influencing healthcare practices, yet little is known about consumers' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with genetic testing services or the practitioners who provide them. This systematic review synthesizes peer-reviewed studies on consumers' perspectives regarding the role of primary health professionals in delivering genomic medicine in primary care settings. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO) were systematically searched. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that addressed consumers' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to Primary Care Providers' (PCP) roles in genomic medicine. Data relevant to the review objective, including key article characteristics, barriers and facilitators of implementation, and recommendations for advancement or optimisation, were extracted and analysed using thematic analysis. We reviewed 19 studies meeting the inclusion criteria involving 3557 participants. Thematic analysis identified two overarching themes: consumer views on genomic testing irrespective of setting, comprising three sub-themes, and consumer views on genomic testing in the primary care setting, comprising four sub-themes. Consumers' trust in PCPs as familiar and approachable professionals was a major concern. Consumers often reported positive experiences when PCPs were well-informed and communicative, but negative experiences were common when there was a perceived lack of knowledge or confidence from the PCP. As reported in other healthcare settings, concerns about privacy, data security, and the cost of genomic testing were also prominent. Integrating genomic medicine into primary care requires trust-building between PCPs and consumers, enhancing PCP education and resources, addressing privacy and cost concerns and strengthening collaboration with genetic specialists to improve consumer experiences.