Nursing engagement in genetics and genomics: A developing country's perspective

Area of Science:

• Genomic Medicine
• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Systems

Background:

• Increasing demand for genetics services outpaces the supply of genetics professionals.
• Nurses are crucial for integrating genetics and genomics into healthcare.
• Philippines healthcare system faces challenges in genetics service delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review nursing engagement with genetics/genomics developments in the Philippines.
• To identify barriers and opportunities for nurses in genetics/genomics.
• To inform strategies for advancing nursing roles in genetic healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Review of published and gray literature.
• Focus on genetics/genomics services in the Philippines.
• Analysis of nurses' roles and experiences.

Main Results:

• Nurses in the Philippines primarily engage with genetics in specialty clinics and newborn screening (NBS).
• Barriers include lack of competency standards, inadequate education, absence of a specialty organization, and heavy workloads.
• Current nursing engagement in genetics/genomics is limited.

Conclusions:

• Systematic integration of genetics/genomics into nursing practice environments is essential.
• Adopting competency standards and curricular integration are key to realizing nurses' roles.
• Nursing leadership, local specialty groups, and international collaboration are vital for advocacy and policy development.