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Family Practice Vol. 18, No. 2, 135-140
© Oxford University Press 2001

Guidelines for referral to a regional genetics service: GPs respond by referring more appropriate cases

Anneke Lucassen, Eila Watson,a, Jean Harcourt,b, Peter Rose,b and Jane O'Grady,c

Department of Clinical Genetics, Churchill Hospital,
a CRC Primary Care Education Research Group, Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, Institute of Health Sciences,
b ICRF General Practice Research Group, Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford and
c Department of Public Health, Oxfordshire Health Authority, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, UK.

Anneke Lucassen, Department of Clinical Genetics, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton SO16 5YA, UK. Email: annekel{at}soton.ac.uk

Objectives. The aim of this study was to see whether guidelines on whom to refer to a regional genetics service could improve the appropriateness of referrals to the service. It also aimed to assess whether the genetic clinic assessment of risk agreed with that described in the GP letter.

Methods. Referral guidelines were sent to all Oxfordshire GPs and the subsequent content of the referral letters was analysed. A retrospective assessment of referral letters sent during the 6 months before dissemination was also made.

Results. The study showed that post-guidelines, fewer ‘lower risk’ referrals were made and that the description of the risk in the GP letter improved, so that a greater proportion of genetic clinic risks agreed with those described in the GP letter.

Conclusion. The use of referral guidelines can help GPs to act as gatekeeper for referrals to secondary care.

Keywords. Cancer genetics, family history, primary care, referral guidelines, risk assessment.


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