Nurse Practitioners' levels of knowledge and comfort using genetics/genomics: Public Health Implications

Advances in genetics/genomics research have significantly heightened the potential to successfully prevent and treat diseases in a public health setting, such as community clinics. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in a unique position to apply genetic/genomic knowledge during interactions with patients because they are responsible for conducting thorough family health history interviews. However, there were no documented studies of NP knowledge and comfort levels using genetics/genomics in practice. The aim of this study was to identify NPs' levels of knowledge and comfort using genetics/genomics in professional practice. This was a descriptive, exploratory study using the Maradiegue Genetic Needs Assessment tool. Data were collected from NPs attending a regional conference of NPs in the northeast U.S. A response rate of 70% (192/275) was achieved. Most NPs (68%) reported only “minimal” to “some” knowledge of genetics/genomics. Less than 20% of the respondents reported comfort with genetic concepts. While 61% of NPs reported taking a family health history “all of the time,” only 27% reported awareness of the U.S. Surgeon General Family Health History Initiative. Although there have been great advances in genetic/genomic knowledge since the Human Genome Project, this study revealed a gap between those advances and knowledge and comfort in use of genetics/genomics by NPs. Implications for public health and prevention will be discussed.