ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of social network characteristics of individuals with a family history of cancer on the use of cancer-related services (e.g., screening, genetic counseling/testing). SAMPLE & SETTING: 170 family members of individuals with the most common hereditary or familial cancers. METHODS & VARIABLES: Data collection occurred between March and September 2021 using an online survey. RESULTS: Having strong within-immediate family relationships and family members who underwent more screening procedures was associated with increased breast cancer screening, and having more family members with cancer was associated with colorectal cancer screening. Having a large family, having family members who underwent screening for more cancers, and having strong social cohesion among families were associated with an increased rate of genetic testing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses working with families affected by cancer should focus on strategies to strengthen relationships among family members to improve knowledge of cancer screening and available genetic services.
Subject(s)
Family , Neoplasms , Humans , Data Collection , Genetic Testing , Health Behavior , Neoplasms/genetics , Social NetworkingABSTRACT
The expansion of Multi-Gene Panel Testing (MGPT) has led to increased detection of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) among individuals with personal or family history of cancer. However, having a VUS result can impact on emotional and psychological wellbeing and cause challenges for non-geneticist healthcare providers. The purpose of this mixed methods systematic review was to examine what is currently known about the experiences of individuals with a VUS on genetic testing for inherited cancer susceptibility. The initial search was conducted in June 2020 using PUBMED, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsychInfo according to the Joanna Briggs methodology for systematic reviews. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies included in this review identified a range of emotional reactions to a VUS result, a general lack of understanding of a VUS result and its implications, frustration with a lack of healthcare provider knowledge, and a need for clear communication with healthcare providers. This review identified critical gaps in current knowledge to guide genetic counseling praxis, specifically in the knowledge of communication patterns and methods of improving communication with healthcare providers and family members and preferred risk management strategies. This will help to improve the counseling process and the management of care during and after genetic testing.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Regardless of profession and area of practice, every health care provider must possess basic knowledge and skills to integrate genetics and genomics into practice. Nurses play a pivotal role in providing health care, and they should be well equipped to apply genetics and genomics to health care settings. This scoping review explored the existing literature of educational interventions to improve nurses' competencies, including knowledge, attitudes, and skills in genetics and genomics. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted with the Joanna Briggs Institute method for scoping reviews. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ERIC in March 2021. We included original research studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals that reported findings on the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve nurses' competencies in genetics or genomics. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included in the scoping review. Registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, and nursing faculty were targeted with different types of interventions, including face-to-face education, online/remote education, and written materials. CONCLUSION: Limited research shows that various educational interventions improved the competencies in genetics and genomics among nurses with different degrees and areas of practice. Research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of educational interventions by reliable assessment methods for nurses with appropriate sample sizes. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(1):13-20.].
