Obstetrician and gynecologists’ population-based screening practices

Abstract

Background: The ability to obtain genetic information can now be accomplished in far greater detail, and more quickly than in the past. It is important to understand obstetrician–gynecologists’ (ob-gyns) screening practices as these changes occur.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey was performed by mailing paper surveys to Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a subset of Fellows who belong to the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN).

Results: Response rates were 57% for the CARN network. Almost all responders (92%) offer population-based genetic screening in the prenatal period and almost all (93%) conduct counseling prior to the provision of genetic testing. Almost all (92%) counsel patients when the result is positive, with 46% being the primary counselor and 55% calling the patient themselves. When results are negative, 73% counsel with 58% indicating they are the primary counselor and 17% call patients themselves. A total of 72% have received continuing medical education (CME) on genetics within 5 years, with 79% receiving CME at conferences and 21% receiving CME online.

Conclusion: Ob-gyns have a large role in providing patients new genetic screening technologies. This role requires a significant knowledge base, some of which can be obtained by online modules; however, our study suggests online education is underutilized as a means for CME on genetic screening among ob-gyns.

• CME
• cystic fibrosis
• genetics
• prenatal
• screening
• survey

Declaration of interest

This study was supported in part by grant UA6MC19010, through the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Research Program. The authors report no conflicts of interest.