Texas physicians' perceptions of genomic medicine as an innovation

Abstract

Primary care providers (PCPs) are believed to be the professionals who, in the near future, will be responsible for incorporating genomic medicine (GM) into primary care. Given the dearth of empirical data describing PCPs' beliefs about GM and the relationship between beliefs and the incorporation of GM into practice, this study assessed whether (and to what extent) PCPs' perceptions of GM as an innovation influence their likelihood of adopting this innovation into primary care. The study utilized diffusion of innovations theory as a framework. A state‐wide representative sample of PCPs practicing in Texas responded to a mailed survey. The survey measured PCPs' perceptions of five characteristics of GM as an innovation. Findings suggest that among the five characteristics examined GM's relative advantage, compatibility with current practice, its complexity, and observability were the strongest predictors of likelihood to adopt GM tasks into primary care practice.