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In the 20 years since the initial sequencing of the human genome, genomics has become increasingly relevant to nursing. We sought to chart the current state of genomics in nursing by conducting a systematic scoping review of the literature in four databases (2012–2022). The included articles were categorized according to the Cochrane Collaboration outcome domains/sub-domains, and thematic analysis was employed to identify key topical areas to summarize the state of the science. Of 8532 retrieved articles, we identified 232 eligible articles. The articles primarily reported descriptive studies from the United States and other high-income countries (191/232, 82%). More than half (126/232, 54.3%) aligned with the "healthcare provider oriented outcomes" outcome domain. Three times as many articles related to the "knowledge and understanding" sub-domain compared to the "consultation process" subdomain (96 vs. 30). Five key areas of focus were identified, including "nursing practice" (50/126, 40%), "genetic counseling and screening" (29/126, 23%), "specialist nursing" (21/126, 17%), "nurse preparatory education" (17/126, 13%), and "pharmacogenomics" (9/126, 7%). Only 42/126 (33%) articles reported interventional studies. To further integrate genomics into nursing, study findings indicate there is a need to move beyond descriptive work on knowledge and understanding to focus on interventional studies and implementation of genomics into nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nurse leaders driving strategic integration of genomics across nursing need tools and resources to evaluate their environment, guide strategies to address deficits, and benchmark progress. We describe the development and pilot testing of a self‐assessment maturity matrix (MM) that enables users to benchmark the current state of nursing genomic competency and integration for their country or nursing group; guides the development of a strategic course for improvement and implementation; and assesses change over time. Design: Mixed‐methods participatory research and self‐assessment. Methods: During a 3‐day workshop involving nursing experts in health care and genomics, a genomic integration MM grid was built by consensus using iterative participatory methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques. This work built on an online survey involving the same participants to identify the critical elements needed for "effective nursing which promotes health outcomes globally through genomics." Findings: Experts from 19 countries across six continents and seven organizations participated in item development. The Assessment of Strategic Integration of Genomics across Nursing (ASIGN) MM incorporates 55 outcome‐focused items serving as subscales for six critical success factors (CSFs): education and workforce; effective nursing practice; infrastructure and resources; collaboration and communication; public/patient involvement; policy and leadership. Users select their current circumstances for each item against a 5‐point ordinal scale (precontemplation to leading). Nurses representing 17 countries undertook matrix pilot testing. Results demonstrate variation across CSFs, with many countries at the earliest stages of implementation. Conclusions: The MM has the potential to guide the strategic integration of genomics across nursing and enables additional assessments within and between countries to be made. Clinical Relevance: Nurse leadership and direction are essential to accelerate integration of genomics across nursing practice and education. The MM helps nurse leaders to benchmark progress and guide strategic planning to build global genomic nursing capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The changes needed to accelerate integration of genomics across nursing are complex, with significant challenges faced globally. Common themes lend themselves to a coordinated and collaborative strategic approach to sustained change. We aim to synthesize the outputs of a research program to present a roadmap for nursing leadership to guide integration of genomics across practice. Design: Mixed methods involving a purposive sample of global nursing leaders and nursing organizations in a sustained, highly interactive program. Methods: Experts in nursing, health care and healthcare services, policy, and leadership were recruited. Online surveys preceded a 3‐day residential meeting utilizing participatory methods and techniques to gain consensus on the essential elements of a roadmap to promote genomics integration. Findings: Twenty‐three leaders representing 19 countries and seven organizations participated overall. Data on the scope and status of nursing, genomics health care, and resources have been synthesized. Participants identified 117 facilitators to genomics integration across diverse sources. Barriers and priorities identified were mapped to the constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The roadmap is underpinned by a maturity matrix created by participants to guide and benchmark progress in genomics integration. Conclusions: Nurse leaders seeking to accelerate change can access practical guidance with the roadmap, underpinned by support through the Global Genomics Nursing Alliance and its strategic priorities. Clinical Relevance: Genomics is shaping the future of healthcare, but change is needed for integration across nursing. This practical roadmap, adaptable to local health systems and clinical and educational contexts, is relevant to nurse leaders aiming to accelerate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Nurses have a pivotal role in bringing the benefits of genomics and precision medicine to everyday health care, but a concerted global effort is needed to transform nursing policy and practice to address widely acknowledged deficits in nurses’ genomic literacy. The purpose was to conduct a global country and organization review of nursing engagement with genomics, informing a landscape analysis to assess readiness for integration of genomics into nursing. Design: Global nursing leaders and nursing organizations were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy to complete an online survey that assessed the scope of genomic integration in practice and education, challenges and barriers, and priorities for action. Methods: The survey was administered online following an orientation webinar. Given the small numbers of nurse leaders globally, results were analyzed and presented descriptively. Findings: Delegates consisted of 23 nurse leaders from across the world. Genomic services were offered predominantly in specialty centers consisting mostly of newborn screening (15/18) and prenatal screening (11/18). Genomic literacy and infrastructure deficits were identified in both practice and education settings, with only one country reporting a genetic/genomic knowledge and skill requirement to practice as a general nurse. Conclusions: These data provide insights into the commitment to and capacity for nursing to integrate genomics, revealing common themes and challenges associated with adoption of genomic health services and integration into practice, education, and policy. Such insights offer valuable context and baseline information to guide the activities of a new Global Genomics Nursing Alliance (G2NA). The G2NA will use the landscaping exercise as a springboard to explore how to accelerate the integration of genomics into nursing healthcare. Clinical Relevance: Genomics is relevant to all healthcare providers across the healthcare continuum. It provides an underpinning for understanding health, risks for and manifestations of disease, therapeutic decisions, development of new therapies, and responses to interventions. Harnessing the benefits of genomics to improve health and care outcomes and reduce costs is a global nursing challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To identify the characteristics of nurses opinion leaders in the context of genetics in health care and consider the findings for the integration of genetics in nursing practice. Background Nurses need a basic understanding of the role genetics plays in their practice and about how best to support patients using genetic knowledge. Opinion leaders have been used previously to incorporate change initiatives and increase educational application. Identifying the characteristics of nurse opinion leaders may aid the engagement and continued integration of genetics into nursing practice. Design A primarily quantitative approach over two phases, using online surveys conducted during 2011. Method This article focuses on Phase 2 of a wider study. Oncology and primary care nurses were surveyed to identify the characteristics and demographic indicators of nurse opinion leaders. Tests for data normality followed by the suitable test for group comparison was applied with significance level set at <0·05. Results Nineteen respondents ( n = 19/88; 21·6%) were categorized as opinion leaders and two subgroups were identified: Genetic Opinion Leaders and Opinion Leaders with an Interest in Genetics. Seven characteristics were deemed statistically significant (Mann-Whitney, Chi-Square, t-test) in identifying nurse opinion leaders, including being open to experience and having a perceived level of influence over others. Conclusion The identified characteristics could be used to enhance the integration of genetics into nursing practice through the use of opinion leaders. Further thought needs to be given to the refinement of the identified characteristics and to the use of such a unique group of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To identify the characteristics of nurses who are using genetics in practice and consider the implications of the findings for optimizing its wider uptake. Background Nurses are crucial in realizing the benefits from advances in genetic and genomic health care. Although many recognize genetics as an important component of disease, most feel unprepared to engage with it in practice. The Diffusion of Innovation theory provides a useful framework to describe different levels of engagement. Identifying the characteristics of nurses who have engaged with genetics (adopters) may provide insights of relevance to promoting wider adoption. Design A primarily quantitative approach over two phases, using online surveys conducted during 2011. Method In phase 1, consensus (>75%) was sought from experts in genetics and nursing on four potential Indicators of Genetic Adoption could identify nurses who have adopted genetics. In phase 2, oncology and primary care nurses were surveyed to identify the characteristics and demographic indicators of genetic nurse adopters. Results A consensus was achieved to include all Indicators of Genetic Adoption (phase 1). In phase 2, 27·3% of respondents ( n = 24/88) were categorized as being adopters. Eighteen characteristics were determined to be statistically significant (Mann-Whitney) in defining an adopter and included being open to experience and being more knowledgeable of and confident in using genetics. Conclusion Nurses can be categorized in terms of their engagement with genetics through several distinguishing characteristics. Further research is needed to test the generalizability of the findings to a larger sample and other areas of nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To report a review of a genetics education framework using a consensus approach to agree on a contemporary and comprehensive revised framework. Background Advances in genomic health care have been significant since the first genetics education framework for nurses was developed in 2003. These, coupled with developments in policy and international efforts to promote nursing competence in genetics, indicated that review was timely. Design A structured, iterative, primarily qualitative approach, based on a nominal group technique. Method A meeting convened in 2010 involved stakeholders in UK nursing education, practice and management, including patient representatives ( n = 30). A consensus approach was used to solicit participants' views on the individual/family needs identified from real-life stories of people affected by genetic conditions and the nurses' knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to meet those needs. Five groups considered the stories in iterative rounds, reviewing comments from previous groups. Omissions and deficiencies were identified by mapping resulting themes to the original framework. Anonymous voting captured views. Educators at a second meeting developed learning outcomes for the final framework. Findings Deficiencies in relation to Advocacy, Information management and Ongoing care were identified. All competencies of the original framework were revised, adding an eighth competency to make explicit the need for ongoing care of the individual/family. Conclusion Modifications to the framework reflect individual/family needs and are relevant to the nursing role. The approach promoted engagement in a complex issue and provides a framework to guide nurse education in genetics/genomics; however, nursing leadership is crucial to successful implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the significance of genetics to primary care nurses in Great Britain. The issue as to how it affected to primary care nursing is presented on the paper issued by health authorities, which outlines the advances in knowledge that brings more accurate diagnosis, personalized prediction of risk, new drugs and therapies and better targeted preventions and treatment of disease, informed by an individual's genetic profile. Significant analyses of the implication are presented.