Providing nursing care and support to individuals and families with genetic/genomic healthcare needs.

摘要

This is the final article in a series looking at how nurses can develop confidence and competence in genetics and genomics health care. This article focuses on the role of the nurse in providing ongoing care and support for families affected by genetics and/or genomics issues. THE JOURNEY THROUGH specialist genetics services, involving making decisions about genetic testing, receiving a diagnosis and coming to terms with it, is significant to patients and family members (Barr and Millar 2003). Nurses have a valuable role to play in signposting people appropriately to genetics services and providing additional support during decision making. However, the genetic healthcare needs of individuals and families do not stop with a diagnosis, nor does nursing care cease with an assessment that has taken account of 'relevant... genetic and environmental factors' as required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2010). Genetic conditions are lifelong and, therefore, people affected by such conditions and their families need ongoing care and support.