Extending public consultation via the Internet: The experience of the UK Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing electronic consultation

In 1996, an electronic consultation was set up for the UK Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing on its draft code of practice on over-the-counter genetic testing. Although the general public was encouraged to make an input, media coverage was disappointing and all responses came from health care professionals. The chief benefit of electronic consultation is its cost-effectiveness. Opening up the consultation process may help to create awareness in the community of the constraints under which advisory committees work. Problematic issues remain to be resolved, such as the role and status of public input in a system predicated on expert advice. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.