A Roadmap for Global Acceleration of Genomics Integration Across Nursing

Abstract

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.

A Maturity Matrix for Nurse Leaders to Facilitate and Benchmark Progress in Genomic Healthcare Policy, Infrastructure, Education, and Delivery

“…To facilitate change, nurse leaders need to consider not just the content of ASIGN, but also the wider context for change and the change process itself. For this reason, ASIGN has been set into a wider facilitative framework (roadmap) by G2NA to provide practical guidance ( Tonkin et al, 2020 ).…”

“…ASIGN is amenable for use in a variety of environments, including clinical, educational (nursing school), and professional (nursing organization), and at different scales, from hospital department to countrywide assessments. ASIGN helps answer the question “What does effective nursing which promotes health outcomes globally through genomics look like?” Coupled with the companion roadmap ( Tonkin et al, 2020 ), ASIGN can be used as a reference point to inform further strategic genomic implementation development and measure change over time.…”

The era of precision medicine and its impact on nursing: paradigm shifts?

“…The era of precision medicine and its impact on nursing: paradigm shifts? the main challenges of nursing education in this century is the integration of the omics sciences in clinical practice (4)(5)7) . For that, it will be necessary extensive continuing education of nurses, of professors of Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Courses and the reformulation of more integrated curricular structures, as occurs in several North American institutions, combined with a broad process of permanent education in health to adequately prepare the nursing workforce in the era of PM (4)(5)7) .…”

“…Even in the face of new approaches to care, many healthcare professionals still consider genomics to be a medical specialty and not an integral part of their daily practice (3) . Therefore, the necessary emphasis on the professional training of nurses based on genomics will become an important requirement as the omics sciences will become part of routine care, no longer being exclusively an area of specialization (4)(5) . Recently, in 2018, through COFEN Resolution 581/2018, which updates, within the scope of the Cofen System/ Regional Nursing Councils, the procedures for Registration of Lato and Stricto Sensu Graduate Degrees granted to Nurses and approves the list of specialties, it is noteworthy that nursing in genetics and genomics was definitely recognized as a specialty (6) .…”

Key competencies for Korean nurses in prenatal genetic nursing: experiential genetic nursing knowledge, and ethics and law

“…Background/rationale: Regardless of the academic preparation, position, or clinical specialty of practicing nurses, their roles and duties have dramatically changed because of advances in genetics [1]. Nursing educators have responded to the advances in genetics by offering instruction in genetics and in the implications of genetics for clinical practice [2][3][4][5]. But questions regarding the comprehensiveness of genetic nursing education still remain [6,7].…”