Educational issues related to cancer genetics.

OBJECTIVES

To discuss educational issues facing the nurse and to review opportunities for genetic education.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles pertaining to cancer genetics and nursing.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care providers are experiencing significant changes in their professional lives. Not only is the environment where services are provided changing, but the need for consumers to be knowledgeable and the expectations of care providers are enhanced. One significant challenge is the genetic discoveries influencing available health care. Educational preparation is crucial to the application of genetic technology in practice, research, and management of all patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The science and technology of genetics offers tremendous potential change for health care delivery. This in turn requires knowledgeable nurses to provide total patient care through the integration of genetic information. Determination of preferred methods, content, access, and evaluation is the focus of genetic educational issues.