5.2 Genomic Research in Nursing
One of the best aspects of a nursing career is the diverse range of roles nurses can pursue, from direct patient care to leadership positions and specialized areas such as research. This variety allows nurses to continually grow and adapt in their careers, contributing to advancements in healthcare and improving patient outcomes in numerous ways. Advanced practice nurses such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, and nurse practitioners typically have a research component to their role.
Role of Nurses
Nurses play a key role in genomic research by bridging the gap between complex scientific data and patient care. There are many roles for nurses in research. They can contribute by participating in research studies, collecting and managing genetic data, and ensuring ethical standards are upheld. There are many opportunities for nurses to be part of research or simply to refer patients who may be eligible for particular research projects.
| Type of Research | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bench Scientist | Laboratory Researcher | Conducts lab-based research on biological and physiological processes. |
| Symptom Science | Symptom Scientist | Studies patient symptoms to improve management and quality of life. |
| Qualitative Research | Qualitative Researcher | Explores patient experiences and behaviors using interviews, focus groups, and ethnography. |
| Quantitative Research | Quantitative Researcher | Uses statistical methods to test hypotheses and measure outcomes in clinical trials and surveys. |
| Mixed Methods Research | Mixed Methods Researcher | Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches for a comprehensive understanding of research questions. |
| Clinical Research | Clinical Research Nurse | Manages and coordinates clinical trials, ensuring ethical conduct and patient recruitment. |
| Health Services Research | Health Services Researcher | Studies the organization, delivery, and financing of healthcare services to improve systems and policies. |
| Implementation Science | Implementation Scientist | Focuses on translating research findings into clinical practice. |
| Bioinformatics | Bioinformatics Nurse | Analyzes biological data using computational tools to understand complex biological systems. |
| Genomics | Genomics Nurse | Applies genomic information in clinical care, including genetic testing and counseling. |
There is some excellent work being done in genomics research by nurse scholars that has impacts on clinical practice, policy, the nursing workforce, healthcare system transformation, leadership, and education. The following article provides an introductory overview of genomic approaches in nursing research. It reviews essential concepts in genetics and genomics, provides an overview of the research process, and highlights nursing studies that have used genomic technologies. The authors emphasize the potential of genomics to advance nursing research and encourage nurses to incorporate genomics into their research practice. Nurse researchers can utilize diverse methodologies and measurements, consider biological plausibility studies, case studies, patient surveys, qualitative and quantitative research. Table 1 of the article also highlights commonly utilized approaches to genomic analysis such as the more traditional candidate gene analysis, which can be effective for investigating specific hypotheses, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS), which has become increasingly favored due to advancements like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies. NGS allows for high-throughput sequencing of the entire genome, transcriptome, and epigenome, offering a more detailed understanding of the intricate interplay between genetic factors and disease.
In order for nurses at the point-of-care to base their practices in current evidence, they must be research consumers. Nurses learn how to critically appraise research and ensure they are accessing quality, peer reviewed, and current literature. It is critical to stay abreast of new evidence in this rapidly evolving area in order to build and maintain genomic literacy.
Read
Bueser, T., Skinner, A., Bolton Saghdaoui, L., & Moorley, C. (2022). Genomic research: The landscape for nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(9), e99–e100. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15396
Question for reflection
- What steps can you take as a future nurse to stay informed about the latest developments in genomics and their implications for nursing?
- What is the difference between a GWAS and an EWAS (hint: you may need to consult an external source to answer this)?
The Current State of the Science
Thomas et al. (2023) recently conducted a scoping review examining the progress made over the last decade in nursing and midwifery genomics, demonstrating significant growth in the number of publications on the subject. In order for the advances that have been made in genomic technology to truly benefit patients, nurses need to focus on conducting research that generates clinically relevant evidence. The authors emphasize the need for future research to move away from descriptive studies to interventional studies and implementation research.
Symptom Science
Symptom science is a field of research focused on understanding the biological and behavioral mechanisms underlying symptoms experienced by patients, such as pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. This research aims to identify the causes of these symptoms, develop effective interventions, and improve patient outcomes. Symptom science is closely related to translational research, often described as “bench to bedside,” because it involves taking discoveries from basic science (the bench) and applying them to clinical practice (the bedside). By translating findings from laboratory studies into practical treatments and interventions, symptom science helps bridge the gap between research and patient care, ensuring that new knowledge directly benefits patients. By engaging in symptom science, nurses can develop and implement evidence-based interventions that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This field also empowers nurses to advocate for patients, ensuring that symptom management strategies are personalized and effective, ultimately enhancing the overall healthcare experience. To read more about advancing symptom science in a precision health context, see Hickey et al. (2019) in the optional readings list at the end of this unit.
Omics
Examples of research nurse scholars and scientists are involved in:
Read
Ferranti, E. P., Grossmann, R., Starkweather, A., & Heitkemper, M. (2017). Biological determinants of health: Genes, microbes, and metabolism exemplars of nursing science. Nursing outlook, 65(5), 506–514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2017.03.013
Question for reflection:
- How do you envision incorporating knowledge of genomics, the microbiome, and metabolomics into your future nursing practice?
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, this content is written by Andrea Gretchev and licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
- First two sentences on the page are from Genomics in Nursing by Genomics Education Program, CC BY-NC 4.0
References
Thomas, J., Keels, J., Calzone, K. A., Badzek, L., Dewell, S., Patch, C., Tonkin, E. T., & Dwyer, A. A. (2023, October 27). Current state of genomics in nursing: A scoping review of healthcare provider oriented (clinical and educational) outcomes (2012-2022). Genes, 14(11), 2013. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112013
