A strategy for implementing genomics into nursing practice informed by three behaviour change theories

Abstract

Genomics is an ever increasing aspect of nursing practice, with focus being directed towards improving health. The authors present an implementation strategy for the incorporation of genomics into nursing practice within the UK, based on three behaviour change theories and the identification of individuals who are likely to provide support for change. Individuals identified as Opinion Leaders and Adopters of genomics illustrate how changes in behaviour might occur among the nursing profession. The core philosophy of the strategy is that genomic nurse Adopters and Opinion Leaders who have direct interaction with their peers in practice will be best placed to highlight the importance of genomics within the nursing role. The strategy discussed in this paper provides scope for continued nursing education and development of genomics within nursing practice on a larger scale. The recommendations might be of particular relevance for senior staff and management.

The Global Landscape of Nursing and Genomics

“…The education challenges presented here resonate with those identified in the literature. The engagement of nursing leadership is vital to establishing genomics competency as a workforce priority (Calzone et al., in press; Jenkins et al., ; Leach, Tonkin, Lancastle, & Kirk, ). To achieve engagement, relevancy of genomics must be established, which requires that nursing leaders attain competency in genomics sufficient to inform their decisions on competency standards and infrastructure priorities, such as point of care decision supports (Jenkins et al., ).…”

“…Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations () documents that this complexity and lack of observability all slow adoption. Policy approaches, the involvement of critical healthcare leaders, and the utilization of opinion leaders, such as the G2NA delegates, can help facilitate adoption (Leach et al., ). But those G2NA country delegates alone will not be sufficient.…”

Genomic Literacy of Registered Nurses and Midwives in Australia: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

“…It is time to move beyond justifying the relevance of genomics in nursing practice (Leach, Tonkin, Lancastle, & Kirk, ). Therefore, the aim of this study is not to justify the importance of genomics in nursing practice.…”

A Roadmap for Global Acceleration of Genomics Integration Across Nursing

“…They identified 10 CFIR constructs as high priority. In nursing and genomics, behavior change theories have played an important role in implementation studies (Leach, Tonkin, Lancastle, & Kirk, 2016), with Diffusion of Innovations being perhaps the most widely used, such as in a large‐scale U.S. program (Jenkins et al, 2015). Williams et al (2017) identified three key areas for nurses at the IS–genomics intersection (nurse leadership, genomics literacy, and learning from change) to understand the determinants of successful and failed implementation.…”