RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Family Physician Self-Efficacy With Screening for Inherited Cancer Risk
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 130
OP 132
DO 10.1370/afm.60
VO 2
IS 2
A1 Robert Gramling
A1 Justin Nash
A1 Karen Siren
A1 Charles Eaton
A1 Larry Culpepper
YR 2004
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/2/2/130.abstract
AB BACKGROUND Recent evidence has shown low and inconsistent rates of family history screening among generalist physicians. Little has been done to investigate the physician factors likely to mediate this behavior. We investigated family physicians’ beliefs about screening their patients for inherited cancer risk, measuring their perceptions of self-efficacy and the importance of screening. METHODS We mailed a cross-sectional, 1-page questionnaire to all active members (691) of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians, measuring their attitudes about predictive genetic cancer screening. RESULTS We received responses from 300 of the 691 members (43%). Although 87% believed screening to be important, less than two thirds believed they were effective in screening. CONCLUSIONS Many family physicians lack confidence in their ability to screen patients for a family history of cancer despite recognizing its importance to their practice.