Developing leadership competencies for genomics integration through globally networked learning and education.

Area of Science:

• Genomics Education
• Nursing Leadership
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Integrating genomics into healthcare requires specialized leadership competencies.
• Existing educational strategies may not adequately prepare future leaders for genomics integration.
• The globally networked learning-genomics (GNL-G) strategy was developed to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the GNL-G educational strategy in Master's courses in Canada and Finland.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of GNL-G in developing leadership competencies for genomics integration.
• To explore the influence of global exchanges and the ASIGN tool on competency development.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative interpretive description methodology was employed.
• The Reporting Item Standards for Education and its Evaluation in Genomics (RISE2 Genomics) framework guided the study.
• Data were collected through one-to-one interviews, written assignments, and student reflections from three cohorts.

Main Results:

• Ten Canadian and 11 Finnish Master's students participated.
• The Assessment of Strategies to Integrate Genomics in Nursing (ASIGN) Tool facilitated practice context analysis and leadership strategy development.
• GNL-G participation boosted students' confidence in leading genomics integration, regardless of prior expertise.
• Global peer engagement highlighted the importance of equity, ethics, and social justice in genomics leadership.

Conclusions:

• The GNL-G strategy successfully enhanced leadership competencies for genomics integration among graduate students.
• The ASIGN Tool and global peer collaboration are vital components of innovative educational methods for genomics leadership.
• Effective educational approaches are crucial for preparing leaders to navigate the complexities of genomics in healthcare.