Competencies of genetic nursing practise in Japan: A comparison between basic and advanced levels

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to identify the competencies of genetic nursing practise required for general and genetic nurses. Methods:  We conducted a four-stage survey using a Delphi process. We conducted an interview with 27 nurses who were involved in genetics-related care and extracted 89 items in seven categories. In the second survey, we mailed a questionnaire to 20 experts in genetics. In the third and fourth surveys, we asked 491 health-care providers, including nurses and physicians, who were involved in genetics-related care and agreed to participate in the study at 113 institutions in 40 prefectures. The respondents were asked to choose one of three options in each of 89 items: “A: General nurse’s role”, “B: Genetic nurse’s role”, and “C: Not appropriate as the nurse’s role”. The data were collected from August 2000 to March 2001. There were 295 final subjects, and the response rate was 60%. Results:  The competencies required for general nurses were identified as “living support”, “psychological support”, and “identification of the client’s wishes”, while those required for genetic nurses were “provision and exchange of accurate genetic information”, “referral to and collaboration with other organisations”, and “client support to understand disease.” Conclusions:  These results suggest a direction for genetic nursing curricula. It is our challenge to incorporate genetics into the education programming.