Access to information and the capability of follow through in clinical genetics

The access of knowledge but inability to follow through – an important issue to be addressed when developing clinical genetic services in a developing nation.

Technological globalization with satellite television and internet has helped citizens in developing nations to gain access to information effortlessly with minimal resources. What is the value of knowledge in the absence of facilities to benefit from the knowledge? This is an aspect relevant to practically all fields, resulting in differing levels of frustration depending on the situation. In clinical genetics, physicians provide patients and families with a diagnosis. The patients and families gain additional information from the internet and are anxious to follow through on the information. A realistic understanding of utilizing the information to their advantage and the accessibility to facilities are the logical next steps. In a developing nation who do these families turn to for help in understanding if the information is applicable to them and if it is applicable how to take the next step? This is a valuable service that can be provided by trained genetic counselors.