A handbook aimed at providing GPs with up to date information on genetics which they can use in their everyday practice, was released yesterday to delegates at the 50th annual conference of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in Sydney. 'Genetics in Family Medicine: The Australian Handbook for General Practitioners' was developed by the Australian Genetics Education in Medicine Consortium on behalf of government watchdog 'Biotechnology Australia' and is available online at www.gpgenetics.edu.au.
Tony Abbott, Australian Minister for Health and Ageing, said: 'Genetic medicine is a constantly evolving field and this handbook...addresses key genetic issues such as cancer in the family, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and many inherited conditions'.
Having been informed by extensive consultations with GPs, consumers and genetics healthcare professionals and peer-reviewed by an expert advisory group, Australian officials envisage that the handbook will become the 'gold standard' for genetics information for GPs and other health professionals.
Abbott believes the handbook, heralded as 'the only one of its kind available' by Ian Macfarlane, Australian Minister for Industry Tourism and Resources, is a significant step towards improving the patient journey for the many people affected by genetic conditions. 'This handbook will help GPs provide information on genetic conditions to patients and make appropriate referrals', he said.
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