Patients who are in need of genetic services are often inappropriately managed, in part due to inadequate knowledge of genetic issues among primary health care providers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a genetics education program on the knowledge and attitudes of primary care providers in community health settings. A total of one hundred twenty-one primary care providers who work in Texas Public Health Region VIII participated in an educational program designed to provide basic genetics information. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used to assess knowledge and attitudes of subjects, and comparisons were made pre and post intervention. Pretest assessment revealed less than adequate knowledge about basic genetic principles and relatively positive attitudes among the subjects. Following the program, there were statistically significant increases in both knowledge about genetic conditions (P = .001) and attitudes toward provision of genetic services (P = .001). These results indicate that primary health care providers, motivated to learn complex materials and new skills in order to assist their patients, can do so in a relatively short time period.

Objectives: The purpose of this project was to improve genetic service provision for the unserved patients in Texas Public Health Region VIII by providing primary care providers with the skills necessary to participate in the comprehensive care of patients at risk for genetic and other birth disorders. Methods: 1,737 patient charts were reviewed from the Maternity, Pediatric and Family Planning clinics of 14 sites, 2 Federally Qualified Community Health centers and 12 Maternal and Child Health primary care clinics. From this review, 10 high-frequency genetic risk indicators were identified. Protocols in the form of decision flow charts were developed, and primary care providers were educated about the use and reasoning for the flow of the protocols. Results: One year after protocol implementation, 1,713 new records were reviewed. Before protocol implementation, 12.6% of patients with an indicator of high risk were offered an appropriate referral. After implementation, 45.9% of patients with a high-risk indicator were offered appropriate referral (χ² = 39.76, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the protocol format and content provide an effective and efficient method of identifying and managing patients with risk factors for genetic and other birth disorders.

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