A cross-sectional survey to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding genetic disorders and testing among non-genetic clinicians of Armed Forces, India

Abstract Field of genetics is undergoing rapid advances, with availability of multiple genetic tests in clinical practice. Patients with genetic disorders are mostly attended by non-genetic clinicians. Sufficient knowledge about genetics amongst non-genetic clinicians is required for good clinical practice. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding genetic disorders and testing among non genetic clinicians of Armed Forces, India. An online survey of non genetic clinicians of Indian Armed Forces was conducted followed by statistical analysis. Total 262 non-genetic clinicians took part in this survey. Most respondents are well aware of genetic disorders, need for genetic testing and counseling. However, non-geneticist clinicians find it difficult to choose appropriate genetic tests. Moreover, most of the respondents are not versed with advances in the field viz. next generation sequencing technologies etc. Similar to other regions worldwide, there exist a gap in knowledge of genetic disorders and testing amongst non genetic clinicians. The gap further hampers the best clinical practices.