The Advanced Nurse Practitioner's Role in Hereditary Breast Cancer Clinics: A Patient-Centered Approach

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Genomic Medicine
• Healthcare Workforce Solutions

Background:

• The demand for hereditary breast cancer genetic services exceeds current workforce capacity, leading to delays in diagnosis and prevention.
• Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) are increasingly recognized for their potential to address these workforce challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the strategic role of Breast Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) in addressing the growing demand for hereditary breast cancer genetic services.
• To explore how ANPs can deliver patient-centered genetic care and bridge the gap between oncology and genetics.

Main Methods:

• A review of peer-reviewed articles and international guidelines related to hereditary breast cancer management.
• Examination of the evolving role of ANPs in the field of cancer genetics.

Main Results:

• ANPs can integrate clinical expertise with genomic competencies to manage risk assessment, genetic testing, and surveillance.
• Their role encompasses holistic support, addressing psychosocial impacts, and ensuring care continuity for patients and families.
• Challenges include a lack of formal training and inconsistent role implementation.

Conclusions:

• Integrating ANPs into hereditary breast clinics is a quality improvement strategy that addresses workforce shortages.
• Sustaining this role requires innovative approaches, including advanced genetics training, funding for education, clear role definitions, robust protocols, and clinical supervision.
• Highly skilled nurses in genetics, such as Breast ANPs, can improve patient outcomes and access to timely care through mainstream genetic testing and counseling.