Paper: The Effect of Recent Trends and Issues in Genomics on Nursing Practice (40th Biennial Convention (October 31st- November 4th, 2009))

Monday, November 2, 2009: 2:40 PM

Claudia C. Leiras-Laubach, MS, PhD
Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Learning Objective 1: identify at least 2 specific ways that genomic trends are informing and impact nursing practice.

Learning Objective 2: idenify at least 1 practice strategy for using genomics to guide nursing practice.

The Human Genome Project (HGP) has added transparency to the link between genetic differences and the occurrence of common chronic and infectious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. With this, comes a furthering understanding of the multi-factorial causes of disease and illness. The HGP has allowed researchers worldwide to explore how and why susceptibility to environmental and occupational exposures impacts disease. Given that 100% of human disease results from interactions between genetics and the environment, it is essential that nurses be able to understand how genetics and genomics are impacting all levels of their practice.

Given current trends, the traditional 3-generation pedigree fails to assess what is now known. It is no longer feasible to just have a basic understanding of genetics (for example, distinguishing between genotype and phenotype). The HGP has opened up our world, and the applicability of the information provided by genomics needs to be the focus, if nurses are to provide the best care possible to their clients.

Issues related to risk, susceptibility and ethics exist now and are an important part of informed nursing practice. Are you prepared to discuss the results from a personal retail DNA test with your client? This presentation will highlight how recent trends, specifically the rapidly-evolving consumer genomics industry has and will continue to impact nursing practice. Specific clinical examples will be given to illustrate the crucial need for nurses to begin understanding the issues surrounding genetics and genomics and the potential impact on not only the practice of nursing, but the profession of nursing as well.

See more of: Advanced Practice Initiatives II
See more of: Oral Paper & Poster: Clinical Sessions