2. Impact of Genetics on nursing care in hospices (217)
Alison Metcalfe, Senior Research Fellow, School of Health Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom Co authors: Rachel Pumphrey & Collette Clifford a.m.metcalfe@bham.ac.uk
Abstract:
Background:
Hospice nurses regularly provide care for patients/families with inherited genetic conditions. Around 10% of patients in adult hospices in the UK are likely to have developed cancer because of an inherited genetic predisposition and many children receiving hospice care are affected by genetic conditions. Supporting patients affected by genetic conditions and their families requires knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by them, and the implications of having or being at risk from an inherited condition. However, little is known about the competence levels of hospice nurses to support patients and families affected by genetic conditions. This study explored how important hospice nurses perceived genetics to be within palliative care, and their level of confidence in meeting the care needs of patients/families with a genetic predisposition to disease.
Methods:
Nurses (N=1426) in a sample of adult and children’s hospices in England and Wales were invited to anonymously complete one of two validated postal questionnaires. Likert scales were used to rate the importance of genetic activities relevant to adult or children’s hospices, and nurses’ confidence in performing them. Demographic data and preferences for continued professional development were collected.
Results:
428 questionnaires were returned. Most nurses felt that an understanding of genetics was very important within end-of-life care. However they were not confident about integrating genetics into clinical practice. Psychosocial aspects of genetics-based care were viewed as most important but nurses were not confident in delivering it. Nurses also rated clinical and biological aspects of genetics as important but were even less confident in dealing with these components. Over 80% of participating nurses were interested in learning more about genetics.
Discussion:
This study demonstrates the need for hospice nurses’ education to include genetics emphasising the psychosocial aspects of care needed in the context of end-of-life care for inherited conditions.
Source of Funding: UK - Research Charity/Foundation
General Nursing Council
Amount in Funding: 10,001 - 50,000
Biography:
Senior Research Fellow working at the University of Birmingham leading a programme of research on the psychosocial implication of advances in genetics for mainstream healthcare.