The work of specialist nurses in the mainstreaming of germline genomic testing in cancer: an investigation.

BACKGROUND

Specialist nurses are increasingly working in the mainstreaming of germline genomic testing in cancer.

AIMS: The study aimed to investigate the work of specialist nurses in the mainstreaming of germline genomic testing in cancer, with a focus on Lynch syndrome, and to consider the future of genomics in nursing.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 specialist nurses and three genetic counsellors, and thematic analysis was carried out.

FINDINGS: Prominent themes arising from the data were: the capability and capacity of specialty-based clinical nurse specialists, for whom genomics is an added part of their wider role, to deliver genomic testing; and whether these specialty-based nurses or specialist genomic nurses, who work only in genomics, are best placed to deliver genomic testing.

CONCLUSION

When planning service provision in the mainstreaming of genetic testing, the capacity and capability of specialty-based clinical nurse specialists should be considered alongside the possible need for specialist genomic nurses.