More than 20 different pharmacogenomic tests are being used in the oncology field. The current descriptive study was conducted with 368 oncology nurses in North Carolina to identify and test key elements of Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory that play a role in the adoption of pharmacogenomic testing. Oncology nurses who participated in this study had limited knowledge of genomics and pharmacogenomic testing. Attitudes toward pharmacogenomic testing were positive overall, and the study revealed that oncology nurses in this study routinely use pharmacogenomic testing information. Variable selection methods revealed that total genomic knowledge was more accurately predicted by prior experience and personality variables, pharmacogenomic knowledge was more accurately predicted by personality variables, and attitude was more accurately predicted by prior experience and perceived need of innovation. Based on these findings, several factors play key roles in the diffusion of pharmacogenomic testing within the oncology nursing field. Therefore, assessment of these variables may benefit the widespread adoption of pharmacogenomic testing. Further research should be conducted with these variables to assess the adoption of the innovation.

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge base of nursing students regarding the topic of genetics and how this may change as a student progresses through the nursing program. A 70 item multiple-choice and dichotomous survey was given to freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior nursing students at a university school of nursing in the eastern part of the United States. Two hundred and seventy five pre-licensure nursing students, 255 females and 18 males, comprised the sample. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and the results concluded that there was a significant difference among the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in regards to having at least a 'minimal' knowledge or better of medical genetic terminology and conditions. Seniors reported a higher number of terms which they had at least a 'minimal' knowledge level or better than freshmen or sophomores. Also the juniors reported a higher number of terms which they had at least a 'minimal' knowledge level or better than sophomores.

Pharmacogenomics has become an area of great potential in the medical community. Therefore, the assessment of the knowledge and attitudes among healthcare professionals is essential. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to explore the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding pharmacogenetic testing with a specific emphasis in oncology. A total of 12 articles were found and reviewed. A majority of the articles reported only on the attitudes of healthcare professionals. Four of the articles reported on both knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals concerning pharmacogenetic testing, and one article reported only on the knowledge level of healthcare professionals. This systematic literature review revealed that healthcare professionals generally perceive themselves to have limited knowledge regarding pharmacogenetic testing. In addition, these articles highlighted the overwhelming ethical concerns surrounding pharmacogenomics. However, these articles also revealed that healthcare professionals believed that there were also many advantages regarding the utilization of pharmacogenomics.

Future research on the assessment of attitudes of clinicians concerning pharmacogenomics should incorporate these themes. In addition, educational activities conveying knowledge concerning pharmacogenomics needs to become readily available to healthcare providers. Finally, a study that addresses any disparity related to pharmacogenomics needs to be undertaken.

Therefore, future research on the assessment of attitudes of oncology nurses concerning pharmacogenomics should incorporate these themes.