The Effect of a Genomics Education Session on Nurses' and Nursing Students' Knowledge and Attitudes about Genomics in Practice

Faculty Mentor

Christine Grippi

Major/Area of Research

Genomics, Nursing

Description

INTRODUCTION: Precision health uses genomic information to individualize risk assessment for health conditions, personalize interventions, and promote health. Nurses are in a unique position to assist clients with understanding how genomics impacts their health and the health of their family members. Genetics information has been included in nursing education, however education on genomics and precision healthcare has not been consistently integrated into undergraduate nursing programs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a Genomics Workshop for Nurses on knowledge and attitudes about using genomics in clinical practice.

METHODS: This quasi-experimental study assessed the impact of a 3-hour Genomics Workshop on 69 nursing students and faculty. Participants completed pre- and post-workshop surveys on genetic knowledge (GK) and attitudes towards genomics and precision medicine (AGPM).

RESULTS: No significant change in GK (p=.126) was found. However, a significant positive shift occurred in overall AGPM scores (p< .001), and in social justice concerns subscale (p=0.22). Other AGPM subscales, like perceived benefits and privacy concerns, showed no significant change.

CONCLUSION: The study concludes that brief genomics education can positively influence nurses' attitudes towards its clinical application. Integrating such education into nursing programs, as advocated by the American Nurses' Association, is crucial. Further research should explore effective methods to enhance genomic knowledge and address specific attitude subscales, optimizing its inclusion in nursing curricula.

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The Effect of a Genomics Education Session on Nurses' and Nursing Students' Knowledge and Attitudes about Genomics in Practice

INTRODUCTION: Precision health uses genomic information to individualize risk assessment for health conditions, personalize interventions, and promote health. Nurses are in a unique position to assist clients with understanding how genomics impacts their health and the health of their family members. Genetics information has been included in nursing education, however education on genomics and precision healthcare has not been consistently integrated into undergraduate nursing programs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a Genomics Workshop for Nurses on knowledge and attitudes about using genomics in clinical practice.

METHODS: This quasi-experimental study assessed the impact of a 3-hour Genomics Workshop on 69 nursing students and faculty. Participants completed pre- and post-workshop surveys on genetic knowledge (GK) and attitudes towards genomics and precision medicine (AGPM).

RESULTS: No significant change in GK (p=.126) was found. However, a significant positive shift occurred in overall AGPM scores (p< .001), and in social justice concerns subscale (p=0.22). Other AGPM subscales, like perceived benefits and privacy concerns, showed no significant change.

CONCLUSION: The study concludes that brief genomics education can positively influence nurses' attitudes towards its clinical application. Integrating such education into nursing programs, as advocated by the American Nurses' Association, is crucial. Further research should explore effective methods to enhance genomic knowledge and address specific attitude subscales, optimizing its inclusion in nursing curricula.