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.
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.