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Full text of this paper is not available in the ETD Center. Copies may be available for inter-library loan from University of Cincinnati or may be available for purchase from Proquest/UMI

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THE EFFECT OF CLINICAL PRACTICE LOCATION ON PHYSICIAN REFERRAL PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES FOR HEREDITARY BREAST CANCER

KREKEL, CHRISTINE ELIZABETH
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1025639885

Abstract Details

2002, MS, University of Cincinnati, Allied Health Sciences : Genetic Counseling.
PURPOSE: To compare physician referral practices and attitudes for hereditary breast cancer between clinical practice locations: urban, suburban, and rural. METHODS: 214 physicians in Southwest Ohio's Tristate Region completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess referral practices and attitudes for hereditary breast cancer. Respondents were randomly sampled and grouped retrospectively into clinical practice location groups based on self-reported descriptor of practice location: suburban (39%), rural (32%), and urban (17%). Physician medical specialties included family practice, general practice, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and oncology. RESULTS: Rural-practice physicians were less likely to have ever referred for hereditary breast cancer than suburban-practice physicians. Rural practice physicians were more likely to refer to an oncologist for this indication, whereas urban-practice physicians were more likely to refer to a genetic counselor. Rural practice physicians reported stronger barriers to referral, including distance to services and lack of awareness of services. Of all physicians who reported never referring, 61% reported having no need for such services, irrespective of clinical practice location. CONCLUSIONS: Women residing in rural areas are less likely to be referred for genetic services regarding hereditary breast cancer than their suburban counterparts. The reduced referral frequency among rural-practice physicians is partly due to increased barriers to referral. A significant proportion of physicians, regardless of practice location, may not recognize the benefit of genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast cancer. Further studies are needed to investigate factors that influence physician referral for this indication, and that may vary by clinical practice location, including specialty, physician knowledge, and patient interest, and to assess the perceived value of genetic services among all physicians.
Karen Huelsman (Advisor)
1 p.
hereditary breast cancer; referral; BRCA1; BRCA2; physician

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • KREKEL, C. E. (2002). THE EFFECT OF CLINICAL PRACTICE LOCATION ON PHYSICIAN REFERRAL PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES FOR HEREDITARY BREAST CANCER [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1025639885

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • KREKEL, CHRISTINE. THE EFFECT OF CLINICAL PRACTICE LOCATION ON PHYSICIAN REFERRAL PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES FOR HEREDITARY BREAST CANCER. 2002. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1025639885.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • KREKEL, CHRISTINE. "THE EFFECT OF CLINICAL PRACTICE LOCATION ON PHYSICIAN REFERRAL PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES FOR HEREDITARY BREAST CANCER." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1025639885

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1025639885
© 2002, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.