More Answers for Doctors on Genetic Tests
Australian health professionals and the public will benefit from Medical Genetic Testing: Information for Health Professionals released by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
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21 May 2010
Australian health professionals and the public will benefit from Medical Genetic Testing: Information for Health Professionals released by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) today.
Designed to provide doctors and other health professionals with up-to-date information on the genetic tests available to their patients, the broad-ranging document also includes advice on handling the clinical, ethical, legal and social considerations involved.
Clinicians will now have comprehensive information on assisting patients considering genetic testing, ordering the appropriate test, interpreting the results and providing follow up care to the patient and family at their finger tips. This will help both them and their patients make informed decisions about managing their health.
The publication reflects recent advances in genetics and DNA testing.
Geneticists, medical specialists, legal experts and ethicists worked together to produce the information paper, under the auspices of the NHMRC, Australia’s peak provider of health advice and funder of health and medical research.
The highly experienced authors included Professor Ron Trent, Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Sydney, Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Director of the Centre for Genetics Education at Royal North Shore Hospital and Dr Graeme Suthers, SA Pathology at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
An accompanying consumer document is currently being developed to help patients and their families though the testing process. This should be available later this year.
The paper and other useful information on genetics can be found on the NHMRC eGenetics website, a single access point for human genetics resources and information in Australia http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/your_health/egenetics/index.htm.
Media contacts: Samantha Regione, Parliamentary Secretary’s Office, 02 6277 4414
Simon Tidy, NHMRC, 0422 008 512 or 02 6217 9190
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