4.1.2 Practice nurses and the business of genetics: Referrals to genetics services from primary care and the role of the practice nurse (209)

Emma Tonkin, Education Development Officer (Nursing Professions), Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom Co authors: Maggie Kirk & Kevin McDonald etonkin@glam.ac.uk

Abstract:

With an improved understanding of how genes influence health and disease and the increasing incorporation of genomic technologies within healthcare delivery, there is now a significant body of evidence supporting the need for genetic competence across the nursing profession [1]. In addition, data indicate that internationally the current provision of genetics education during pre- and post-qualification training is patchy [1,2]. In order to support practitioners effectively in becoming more confident and competent at applying genetics to practice it is imperative that their needs are identified.

Aim:

To ascertain views of general practice nurses towards genetics as it impacts their current role, assess potential barriers and facilitators to further learning in this subject and identify preferred learning style(s) for post-qualification education.

Approach:

An article discussing genetics within general practice and containing scenarios to reflect upon was published in a specialist journal (Nov. 2007). By raising awareness of this topic specifically in relation to the practice nurse setting it was anticipated that readers would be sufficiently engaged to complete a short online questionnaire.

Key outcomes:

This paper will describe the study’s findings and compare and contrast them with earlier data obtained from nurses working within other specialist areas [3]. Practice nurses will be involved in both the management and support of people with conditions with a genetic component, and the identification and referral of patients. Responses from this questionnaire will also be reviewed in the light of data gathered on referrals to genetics services from primary care (using Wales as a regional example). Geographic information system (GIS) technology will provide a picture of referrals from primary care to cancer genetics, allowing comparison of the actual ‘business’ with the extent to which practice nurses see it as their business.

Biography:

With a background in molecular biology (human genetics), Emma gained her PhD following periods of study at the Institute of Medical Genetics in Wales and the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. She then spent seven years at the Institute of Human Genetics, University of Newcastle working on Cornelia de Lange syndrome. This work required her to communicate complex information and scientific concepts to patient families. She continues this work as a member of the UK CdLS Foundation s Scientific and Clinical Advisory Team and this provides a useful background to her current position. In 2005 she joined the NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre as Education Development Officer for the nursing professions. In this role Emma is raising awareness about genetics applied to nursing practice, and is involved in supporting education and training in genetics at both pre- and post-registration levels. Based at the University of Glamorgan within the Genomics Policy Unit, Emma is also actively involved in a number of projects including the development of the web-based genetics education resource for nurses ‘Telling Stories, understanding real-life genetics’.