Test-Retest Reliability of the Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice Survey Instrument.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Assessment of nursing genomic competency is critical given increasing genomic applications to health care. The study aims were to determine the test-retest reliability of the Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice Survey (GGNPS), which measures this competency, and to revise the survey accordingly. METHODS: Registered nurses (n = 232) working at 2 Magnet-designated hospitals participating in a multiinstitutional genomic competency study completed the GGNPS. Cohen's kappa and weighted kappa were used to measure the agreement of item responses between Time 1 and Time 2. Survey items were revised based on the results. RESULTS: Mean agreement for the instrument was 0.407 (range = 0.150-1.000). Moderate agreement or higher was achieved in 39% of the items. CONCLUSIONS: GGNPS test-retest reliability was not optimal, and the instrument was refined based on the study findings. Further testing of the revised instrument is planned to assess the instrument performance.

Methods of genomic competency integration in practice.

PURPOSE: Genomics is increasingly relevant to health care, necessitating support for nurses to incorporate genomic competencies into practice. The primary aim of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a year-long genomic education intervention that trained, supported, and supervised institutional administrator and educator champion dyads to increase nursing capacity to integrate genomics through assessments of program satisfaction and institutional achieved outcomes. DESIGN: Longitudinal study of 23 Magnet Recognition Program® Hospitals (21 intervention, 2 controls) participating in a 1-year new competency integration effort aimed at increasing genomic nursing competency and overcoming barriers to genomics integration in practice. METHODS: Champion dyads underwent genomic training consisting of one in-person kick-off training meeting followed by monthly education webinars. Champion dyads designed institution-specific action plans detailing objectives, methods or strategies used to engage and educate nursing staff, timeline for implementation, and outcomes achieved. Action plans focused on a minimum of seven genomic priority areas: champion dyad personal development; practice assessment; policy content assessment; staff knowledge needs assessment; staff development; plans for integration; and anticipated obstacles and challenges. Action plans were updated quarterly, outlining progress made as well as inclusion of new methods or strategies. Progress was validated through virtual site visits with the champion dyads and chief nursing officers. Descriptive data were collected on all strategies or methods utilized, and timeline for achievement. Descriptive data were analyzed using content analysis. FINDINGS: The complexity of the competency content and the uniqueness of social systems and infrastructure resulted in a significant variation of champion dyad interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing champions can facilitate change in genomic nursing capacity through varied strategies but require substantial training in order to design and implement interventions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Genomics is critical to the practice of all nurses. There is a great opportunity and interest to address genomic knowledge deficits in the practicing nurse workforce as a strategy to improve patient outcomes. Exemplars of champion dyad interventions designed to increase nursing capacity focus on improving education, policy, and healthcare services.

Introducing a New Competency Into Nursing Practice.

As science advances, new competencies must be integrated into nursing practice to ensure the provision of safe, responsible, and accountable care. This article utilizes a model for integrating a new complex competency into nursing practice, using genomics as the exemplar competency. Nurses working at 23 Magnet® Recognition Program hospitals participated in a 1-year new competency integration effort.The aim of the study was to evaluate nursing workforce attitudes, receptivity, confidence, competency, knowledge, and practices regarding genomics. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Respondents were 7,798 licensed registered nurses. The majority (89%) said it was very or somewhat important for nurses to become more educated in the genetics of common diseases. Overall, the respondents felt genomics was important, but a genomic nursing competency deficit affecting all nurses regardless of academic preparation or role was observed. The study findings provide essential information to help guide the integration of a new competency into nursing practice.