Genomics, Genetics, and Nursing Involvement

Differences between Genomics and Genetics

The terms genomics and genetics refer to the study of genetic material. In many cases, the words are erroneously used interchangeably. However, they have distinct meanings. Genomics refers to the study of the genetic material that makes up an organism’s genome in its entirety. The genome comprises the genes, sequences, and genetic information that are involved in heredity (Burton, Jackson, & Abubakar, 2014).

For instance, the human genome is made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes and innumerable genes. Genomics also involve the study of the interactions between genes and the environment. In contrast, genetics refers to the study of heredity: the transfer of genetic traits from one generation to the next and from one organism to another (Burton, Jackson, & Abubakar, 2014). Moreover, it includes the study of the effects of genes on individuals, owing to the passage of certain traits from parents to the offspring.

Nurses Involvement in Policy Making

The information generated from the study of genetics and genomics is used to provide effective healthcare. Nurses play a critical role in the success of the health care system because they incorporate insights from research into their practice (McCormick & Calzone, 2016). They make significant contributions to both fields and complement the work of other stakeholders in the health industry. Nurses close the gap between research findings and their adoption to optimize health. In that regard, their feedback from the application of research knowledge aids in policy making with regard to disease development, treatment, and management (Lopes-Junior, Bomim, & Floria-Santos, 2015).

In addition, their involvement in nursing research can be vital in development of policies and strategies to prevent and manage diseases. Moreover, they can shape health care policy by predicting the most efficacious disease treatment and prevention strategies for diverse groups (McCormick & Calzone, 2016). The practice of precision medicine is an important contributor that influences policy making in the health care sector.

Research and Practice

Several advances in the study of genomics have been made in the past two decades. Therefore, it is necessary for nurses to increase their knowledge and understanding of the field in order to integrate research findings into practice. Nurses play a key role in providing quality health care to patients by helping them manage their illnesses. The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 increased knowledge and understanding of conditions such as asthma, autism, schizophrenia, and diabetes. The insights gained allow nurses to conduct diagnoses that are more accurate and identify diseases before they manifest clinically (Burton, Jackson, & Abubakar, 2014).

Nurses also use the knowledge gained from genomics to identify individuals and groups at increased risks of certain diseases and conditions, and as a result, provide timely preventative solutions (McCormick & Calzone, 2016). Moreover, nurses use research in the field of genomics to improve the management of diseases and create plans for disease prevention and the enhancement of public health (Lopes-Junior et al., 2015). It is important for nurses to understand the role played by genetic makeup, the environment, and their interactions on disease development. For instance, in dealing with diabetes, nurses can use research in the field of genomics to help patients understand the nature of an illness, its subtype, implications, and how it could affect other family members.

Organizations Open to Nurses in Genomics

Several organizations are open to nurses in the field of genomics. They include the World Health Organization (WHO), American Nurses Association (ANA), the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG), the Global Genomics Nursing Alliance (G2NA), and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) (Burton, Jackson, & Abubakar, 2014). These organizations help nurses in various ways. For instance, ISONG promotes the professional and scientific growth of nurses involved in the field of genomics by providing educational programs and opportunities, research grants, and references on genetics. The society also offers current research on human genomics for application in nursing practice (Burton, Jackson, & Abubakar, 2014).

References

Burton, H., Jackson, C., & Abubakar, I. (2014). The impact of genomics on public health practice. British Medical Bulletin, 122(1), 37-46.

Lopes-Junior, L. C., Bomim, E. O., & Floria-Santos, M. (2015). Genomics-based health care: Implications for nursing. International Journal of Nursing Didactics, 5(2), 11-15.

McCormick, K. A., & Calzone, K. A. (2016). The impact of genomics on health outcomes, quality, and safety. Nursing Management, 47(4), 23-26.

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