Attitudes of Physicians Regarding Receiving and Storing Patients' Genetic Testing Results for Cancer Susceptibility

In order to determine interest in and support for a genetic counseling program for heritable cancers, a four-item questionnaire was sent to 700 physicians in San Diego County likely to encounter patients with significant family histories of cancer. Included in the questionnaire was an item requesting information about physician attitudes and practices regarding their record keeping for patient results of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility. Ninety-two questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 13%. The low response rate introduces caution when interpreting the results, particularly if the physicians most interested in the topic were the most likely to respond. In this light, of note was the marked variability found in the attitudes of respondents regarding where the results of patients' genetic testing results should be placed in relation to the medical record. Whereas one group of physicians would place the testing results into the medical record, just as they would any laboratory test result, other physicians do not even want written notice of the results in order to maintain patient confidentiality. Another group acknowledges the sensitivity of the information, but prefers to store genetic testing results separately, as they would results of HIV testing or history of psychiatric treatment. Genetic testing for cancer susceptibility is associated with patient concerns regarding confidentiality of testing results and fears of the consequences of release of this information to insurance companies. While the small and possibly biased sample must be considered when interpreting the results, the lack of consistency among physicians about where to store genetic testing results in terms of the patient medical record underscores the need for both a consensus statement and legal protection for both patient and physician. Variability in physician practices suggests that the process of obtaining informed consent for genetic testing should include a discussion with the patient about how the confidentiality of test results will be maintained.