Current practice for genetic counselling by nurses: An integrative review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Genetic Counselling
• Advanced Practice Roles

Background:

• Debate exists on whether genetic counselling is a specialist role or part of all nurses' practice.
• Evidence is needed to determine the scope of practice for nurses in genetic counselling.
• Current nursing roles in genetic counselling require examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the current practice of genetic counselling undertaken by nurses.
• To review the existing evidence on nurses' involvement in genetic counselling.
• To inform the debate on the scope of practice for nurse genetic counsellors.

Main Methods:

• Integrative literature review methodology.
• Searched electronic databases (CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus) and reference lists.
• Included studies published between January 2012 and March 2017.
• Critically appraised studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.

Main Results:

• Ten studies met the inclusion criteria.
• Identified key findings related to the role of genetic counselling by nurses.
• Examined nurses' current knowledge, need for education, and client satisfaction.
• Highlighted inconsistencies in how nurses engage in genetic counselling.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are involved in genetic counselling, but their roles and scope of practice are not standardized.
• Further investigation into credentialing, role recognition, support, and education for nurse genetic counsellors is recommended.
• Nurses' widespread availability positions them to significantly contribute to supporting individuals with genetic conditions.