Advancing genetic nursing knowledge Janet K. Williams, PhD, RN, FAAN Toni Tripp-Reimer, PhD, RN, FAAN Debra Schutte, PhD, RN J. Jackson Barnette, PhD Although genetic discoveries affect nursing educa- tion, practice, and research, the use of genetic prin- ciples in research design and methodologies is a recent approach in nursing science. This article de- scribes results of a needs assessment to identify barri- ers and strategies to overcome problems encoun- tered by nurse scholars in the integration of genetic principles into nursing investigations. A Delphi survey was conducted with attendees at a nursing genetics research consensus meeting. Understanding genetics, need for sensitive measures, limited resources, and difficulties in networking were major themes identified as barriers. Key strategies include educational prepa- ration, appropriate research methods, institutional support, and research collaboration. Nurses must un- derstand genetics in order to participate in knowledge discovery regarding relationships between genetics, health, and nursing. Integration of genetic concepts into nursing science requires development of collegial relationships among nursing researchers, as well as with those in genetics and related disciplines. R esearch that targets or incorporates genetics is an essential component of nursing science in the 21st century. 1,2 There has been a conspicuous absence of a genetics focus in nursing research. 3 Identifying and integrating genetic factors in nursing research is a new experience for many nurse scholars. Although genetic health research opportunities are expanding for nurse scientists, some scholars may lack the necessary edu- cational, collegial, professional, and/or institutional re- sources to initiate and sustain a program of research that incorporates genetic concepts. In 2000, a regional consensus conference, supported by a grant from the Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH) (R13 HG02227-01), was held at The University of Iowa College of Nursing. The purpose of the conference was to: (1) Present state-of-the-science information on ge- netic discoveries and related ethical, legal, and social issues affecting human health and nursing practice, (2) create a nursing research consortium to facilitate multi- site research initiatives, and (3) develop collaborative strategies to plan, conduct, disseminate, and maintain multi-site genetic nursing research. Following the con- ference, a Delphi survey was conducted with partici- pants to identify barriers and facilitators to overcome barriers to the development of genetic nursing research. Results from this project contributed to development of new collegial and training opportunities for nurse schol- ars to further their abilities to incorporate genetics into their programs of research. BACKGROUND Since the 1950s when the number of chromosomes in the human genome, 4 and the double helix structure of DNA 5 were both discovered, nurses have applied ge- netic knowledge in their nursing practice. However, until very recently, new knowledge regarding the rela- tionships between genetics and health has not origi- nated from nursing research. With the explosion of genetic information emerging from the Human Genome Project 6 and other genetic research, nurse scholars are now beginning to contribute to the emerging body of knowledge regarding the relationships between genetic discoveries and human health. Over the past 10 years the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) have addressed the need for a well-prepared nursing workforce to participate in future genetic health care services. In 1994, the IOM’s committee on assessing genetic risks identified that genetic counseling and education must be an integral part of genetic testing. 7 The AAN’s 1997 monograph, Genetics Revolution: Implications for Nursing, identified challenges in edu- cation, research, and practice that required development of leadership among nurse scholars who are informed about genetic health care issues and are prepared to conduct research into the search for solutions to genetic health care challenges. 8 In 2002, the AAN issued a Janet K. Williams is a Professor at the College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Toni Tripp-Reimer is a Professor at the College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Debra Schutte is an Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. J. Jackson Barnette is an Associate Professor at the College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Reprint requests: Janet K. Williams, PhD, RN, FAAN, The University of Iowa, College of Nursing, 338 Nursing Building, Iowa City, IA 52242. E-mail: janet-williams@uiowa.edu Nurs Outlook 2004;52:73-9. 0029-6554/$–see front matter © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2003.10.013 73 M A R C H /A P R I L N U R S I N G O U T L O O K