| Learning Objective #1: Explain the impact of rapid developments in human genetics on health care and nursing practice | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe the education and training needs of nurses with respect to adult-onset, hereditary disease |
Objectives: To describe the knowledge, professional involvement and confidence of Canadian nurses in providing genetic services for adult onset hereditary disease (AOHD), and to explore the perceived usefulness and preferred formats of continuing education programs related to genetic testing and AOHD.
Design: Descriptive survey
Population, sample, setting: A random sample of 1,425 nurses was drawn from the membership list of the Canadian Nurses Association. Of this sample, 196 were excluded because they were no longer practicing nurses or because of incorrect addresses. Complete questionnaires were received for 975 nurses, resulting in a response rate of 79%.
Methods: A survey questionnaire was developed and pilot tested. The survey procedure included a postcard reminder one week following the mail-out of the first questionnaire. Four weeks later non responders received a second copy of the questionnaire, followed by a post-card reminder one week later. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.
Findings: A significant proportion nurses reported receiving no formal education in genetics and most had not participated in seminars or workshops in genetics during the past three years. Important knowledge gaps were observed. The majority of respondents in clinical practice reported that during the previous year they had at least some patients for whom the issue of AOHD had been discussed. Although nurses did not report a high level of confidence with providing services related to genetics, they believed they had a role to play in this area. Interest in AOHD was moderately high. Nurses identified topics of most interest to them and their preferences for different forms of continuing education.
Conclusions: The results raise questions about the preparedness of nurses to address genetic issues related to AOHD. There is an urgent need to expand educational opportunities addressing AOHD for practicing clinicians as well as students in professional training.
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