Advancements in genomics contribute to enhanced disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. A skilled nursing workforce can ensure patients access safe and equitable genomics-informed healthcare. Policy and professional practice infrastructure are required to support Canada’s nursing workforce in integrating genomics into nursing practice. A coordinated and harmonized national approach is required to accelerate genomics into nursing.
Nurses can make a significant contribution to genomics services. Policy infrastructure can guide education and leadership to assist nurses to participate in designing new roles and care pathways that address patients' identified needs in the precision oncology era.
Conference poster delivered at <a href="https://icncongress.org/event/220"> International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress, Helsinki, Finland (June 9-13, 2025).</a>
In 2020, a group of nurse leaders formed the Canadian Nursing and Genomics (CNG) Steering Group with a mission to accelerate the integration of genomics-informed nursing through knowledge mobilization, collaborative partnerships, and strategic planning. Our research team has engaged with leaders in genomics and nursing internationally and across Canada to develop strategic directions for advancing genomics-informed nursing. The resources within this toolkit have been curated from sources informed by international subject matter experts. This project was funded through a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Planning and Dissemination Grant.
The purpose of this study is part of a larger three-phase project to develop recommendations and catalyze action for genomics-informed oncology nursing education and practice for the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. This phase aimed to enhance understanding of policy needs and action drivers for genomics-informed oncology nursing education and practice through the perspectives of Canadian oncology nurses and patient partners.
This study informs Canadian policy development for genomics-informed oncology nursing education and practice. The experiences of other countries demonstrate that change is incremental, and investment from strong advocates and collaborators can accelerate the integration of genomics into nursing. Though this research focuses on oncology nursing, it may also inform other nursing practice contexts influenced by genomics. This research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Policy Catalyst Grant (competition number: 202210P03).