A strategic approach to preparing nurses for genomic healthcare and the global clinic

Genetics in health and disease impacting increasingly across all areas of the nursing profession. With the completion of the Human Genome Project and the initiation of numerous studies that build upon it, nurses must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to integrate genetic information in a timely manner into everyday healthcare practice. Furthermore, with increasing international travel and access to the internet for healthcare information and genetic testing services, there is a need to develop appropriate educational resources that reflect the 'global clinic' and take into consideration cultural diversity, variations in nursing education and health care systems as well as different professional priorities in other countries. The NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre was established in 2004, as an initiative arising from the UK government's genetics white paper, to lead and coordinate developments to enhance genetics literacy. This paper will report on the progress of the nursing programme, which takes a strategic approach based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour. Its work focuses primarily on the UK, using innovative approaches to raise awareness of the relevance of genetics amongst nursing professionals; to assess education needs; and in preparing learning and teaching resources. The genetics competence framework is used as the platform for knowledge and skills development in the UK, and is also informing other international developments. However, the challenges faced are substantial and necessitate international collaboration where experience, expertise and resources can be shared, and we are coordinating the establishment of such an international network.