A
Framework for Integrating Genetics Into Nursing Practice
Nursing’s unique contribution to genomic medicine is its philosophy of
holism. Nurses are ideally positioned to incorporate genetics into their
assessments, planning, and interventions for patients at different ages and
stages across the lifespan and in all settings. The holistic view that
characterizes nursing takes into account each person’s intellectual, physical,
spiritual, social, cultural, biopsychologic, ethical, and esthetic experiences
while addressing
genetics information, gene-based testing, diagnosis, and treatments. Thus,
knowledge about genetics is basic to nursing practice (Lea, Anderson &
Monsen, 1998).
A framework for
integrating genetics into nursing practice in-cludes a philosophy of care that
recognizes when genetics factors are playing a role or could play a role in an
individual’s health. This means using family history and the results of
genetics tests effectively, informing patients about genetics concepts,
under-standing the personal and societal impact of genetics informa-tion, and
valuing the privacy and confidentiality of genetics information.
A person’s response to genetics information, genetic testing, or
conditions may be either disabling or empowering. Genetics in-formation may
stigmatize individuals if it affects how they view themselves or how others
view them. Nurses can help individu-als and families understand the genetic
aspect of themselves and learn how genetic traits and conditions are passed on
within fam-ilies and how genetic and environmental factors influence health and
disease (Lea, Anderson & Monsen, 1998; Peters et al., 1999).
Nurses facilitate communication among family members, the health care
system, and community resources; they offer valuable support by virtue of their
continuity of care with patients and families. All nurses should be able to
recognize when a client is asking a question related to genetics information
and should know how to obtain genetics information by gathering family and
health histories and conducting physical and developmental assessments. Being able
to recognize a genetics concern allows the nurse to provide appropriate
genetics resources and support to individuals and families (Lea, Jenkins &
Francomano, 1998).
Key to nurses’ genetics framework is the awareness of one’s at-titudes,
experience, and assumptions about genetics concepts and how these are
manifested in one’s own practice. Chart 9-1 offers insights on how nurses can
conduct periodic self-assessments.
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