Nursing implications of personalized and precision medicine

Abstract

Objectives: Identify and discuss the nursing implications of personalized and precision oncology care.

Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL.

Conclusion: The implications in personalized and precision cancer nursing care include interpretation and clinical use of novel and personalized information including genetic testing; patient advocacy and support throughout testing, anticipation of results and treatment; ongoing chronic monitoring; and support for patient decision-making. Attention must also be given to the family and ethical implications of a personalized approach to care.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses face increasing challenges and opportunities in communication, support, and advocacy for patients given the availability of advanced testing, care and treatment in personalized and precision medicine. Nursing education and continuing education, clinical decision support, and health systems changes will be necessary to provide personalized multidisciplinary care to patients, in which nurses play a key role.

Keywords: Personalized medicine; genomics; nursing; oncology.