An ethical imperative: genetics education for physicians and patients.

摘要

The Human Genome project will result in a rapid increase in information about genetically based disease and possible genetically based therapies and cures. In light of this, radical changes in medical education may be necessary. Patients rely on physicians for medical advice about genetic ills and treatments and yet there is mounting evidence that physicians are not well informed about genetics and indeed that they are misinformed. There is also evidence that informed consent is not always honored in the context of genetic testing and indeed that coercion to test and even to act on test information is a practice. Misinformation and the mishandling of genetic information can cause physical, psychological and social harm to persons and intentional and non-intentional violations of informed consent, confidentiality, and privacy are causes for alarm. It is an ethical imperative that genetic literacy and education for physicians be fully and quickly addressed.