The GP Awareness Survey focuses on understanding general practitioners’ awareness of silica-related health risks and their role in early detection and patient education.
Using a behavioural lens, this exploratory survey examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 153 GPs in relation to silica-related diseases and patients, including how they recognise exposure risks, take occupational histories, and approach early detection and patient care. The results can help us to identify general gaps in clinical awareness and find ways to support GPs, who often provide critical first-line treatment to affected and at-risk patients.
November 2025 survey
Respondents generally understood that they have an important role in early detection and were willing to undertake further training. However, many reported limited knowledge, held misconceptions about disease development and presentation, and were unfamiliar with existing national guidance. Occupational histories also tended to focus on job titles rather than the specific tasks that may generate silica exposure. The findings highlight opportunities to improve awareness of existing guidance, strengthen task-based risk recognition and provide practical resources and prompts to support GPs in identifying and assisting patients who may have been exposed to silica dust.
What we found
Knowledge: What GPs know and understand
Almost three-quarters of participants (73%) said they knew only ‘a little’ about silica-related diseases.
GPs generally understood some key aspects of silica-related diseases, but uncertainty and misconceptions remained about disease latency, asymptomatic presentations, and diagnosis.
Attitudes: What GPs think about their role
Most participants recognised the importance of primary care in identifying silica-related diseases, with 90% agreeing that GPs play an important role in early detection.
However, attitudes towards their broader role were mixed. More than half believed silica-related diseases should be managed only by specialists, suggesting some uncertainty about the GP’s role beyond initial detection. Despite this, 89% were willing to undertake further training or professional development on silica-related diseases.
Practice: What GPs do in clinical settings
Most GPs reported asking patients about their current occupation. However, occupational history-taking was less likely to cover previous employment, specific work tasks, exposure duration, personal protective equipment, or relevant hobbies.
Risk assessment also tended to focus on job titles rather than the tasks, materials and working conditions that generate silica dust. This could mean that some patients with relevant exposure are not identified, particularly if they do not work in a commonly recognised high-risk occupation.
