The demand for genomic services has outpaced the capacity of the health system, thus creating opportunities for nurse practitioners (NPs) to develop genomic literacy and expand the genomics-informed services that NPs can offer to optimize safe and equitable healthcare. The new model of NP regulation that aims to educate all NPs, based on a set of common entry-level competencies, has the potential to accelerate the integration of genomics into education and practice. In this commentary, we explore opportunities within a new NP regulatory framework and highlight how NPs can strengthen Canadians' access to genomic technologies as clinicians, advocates, leaders, scholars and educators.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA skilled nursing workforce can ensure that Canadians have safe and equitable access to genomics-informed healthcare. Evidence-informed frameworks designed to support the implementation of genomics across nursing indicate that leadership and collaboration are critical to success. However, siloed provincial and territorial healthcare systems create challenges for harmonizing efforts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe demand for genomic services that improve disease prevention, early detection and safer treatments has already outpaced the capacity of the current system. Nursing leadership strategies are urgently needed to integrate genomic discoveries into education and practice. Using findings from the national Canadian Adaptation of the Genetics and Genomics Nursing Practice Survey completed by 1,012 Canadian nurses, we recommend leadership strategies to build conducive practice environments and assist nurses in developing genomic literacy and confidence to fully participate in the integration of genomics into education and practice.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Genomic technologies such as genetic testing and precision treatments are rapidly becoming routine in oncology care, and nurses play an increasingly important role in supporting the growing demands for genomics-informed healthcare. Policy infrastructure such as competencies, standards, scope of practice statements, and education and curriculum frameworks are urgently needed to guide these practice and education changes.
Purpose: This study is part of a larger three-phase project to develop recommendations and catalyze action for genomics-informed oncology nursing education and practice for the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.
Aim: To learn from two jurisdictions with mature genomics-informed nursing policy infrastructure-the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK)-to inform policy development for genomics-informed oncology nursing practice and education in Canada.
Design: Comparative document and policy analysis drawing on the 3i + E framework.
Methods: We drew on the principles of a rapid review and identified academic literature, grey literature and nursing policy documents through a systematic search of two databases, a website search of national genomics nursing and oncology nursing organizations in the US and UK, and recommendations from subject matter experts on an international advisory committee.