Educational Interventions to Improve Nurses' Competency in Genetics and Genomics: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Genetics and Genomics in Healthcare
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Integrating genetics and genomics into healthcare is essential for all providers.
• Nurses are crucial in applying genetic and genomic information in patient care.
• This review examines educational strategies to bolster nurses' genetic and genomic competencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore educational interventions aimed at improving nurses' competencies in genetics and genomics.
• To identify different types of educational approaches used in nursing practice.
• To synthesize findings on the effectiveness of these interventions.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.
• Searches were conducted in major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, ERIC) in March 2021.
• Included studies were original research published in English, focusing on educational interventions for nurses in genetics/genomics.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies were included in the review.
• Interventions targeted registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, and nursing faculty.
• Educational methods encompassed face-to-face sessions, online learning, and written materials.

Conclusions:

• Various educational interventions show promise in enhancing nurses' genetics and genomics competencies.
• More research is required to evaluate long-term effects and employ robust assessment tools.
• Standardized evaluation methods and adequate sample sizes are needed for future studies.