(March 18, 2008 - Insidermedicine) As scientists continue to better understand how genes work and affect our health, their discoveries are not being used to improve medical care as much as they could be, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Here are some facts about genomics:

•    Genomics refers to the study of genes and how they operate.

•    Genomics has the potential to offer tremendous benefits to the practice of medicine, as it can help identify who is at risk for certain diseases and help tailor treatments to the underlying causes of disease.

•    Just a few potential benefits of applying genomics to medicine include diagnosing conditions earlier, preventing diseases before they occur, and developing treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects.

Researchers from the RAND Corporation reviewed recently published studies on genetics and common, chronic diseases of adulthood. Among the 68 studies they found, they analyzed four key components: outcomes of genomic medicine, consumer information needs, delivery of genomic medicine, and challenges and barriers to integration of genomic medicine.

According to the analysis, physicians in general practice do not feel they have the knowledge to use genetic testing appropriately in their practices, and many consumers are wary of the technology. While they see benefits in terms of helping them identify which diseases they may be at increased risk for, they are concerned about privacy issues and whether the results of genetic tests might impact their health insurance or employment.

Today's research highlights a potential lost opportunity in health care: the use of genetic testing to target medical care, particularly in the area of preventive medicine and tailoring of drug therapy.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Petra Joller.