Integrating genomics and precision health knowledge into practice: A guide for nurse practitioners

Area of Science:

• Genomic Nursing
• Precision Health Care
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Nurse practitioners (NPs) are a rapidly growing healthcare group facing increasing demand.
• NPs often encounter patients using direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests without professional guidance.
• Current NP knowledge of genetics and genomics is limited, impacting their confidence and ability to provide genomics-informed care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for enhanced genetics and genomics education for nurse practitioners.
• To provide resources and recommendations for integrating genomics into NP curricula and practice.
• To empower NPs to effectively utilize genetic information for improved patient assessment, diagnosis, and management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on NP genetics knowledge gaps.
• Analysis of the 2021 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials.
• Incorporation of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Essentials of Genomic Nursing guidelines.

Main Results:

• NPs demonstrate a limited understanding of fundamental genetic concepts and pharmacogenomic guidelines.
• Low NP confidence in interpreting genetic test results hinders the adoption of precision health care.
• Educational resources and clinical recommendations are proposed for genomics integration.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced genomics education is essential for NPs to competently manage patient health in an evolving landscape.
• Integrating genomics into NP training will improve the safe, efficient, and effective application of genetic information.
• Supporting NPs in genomics practice is key to advancing genomics-informed precision health care.