Nurses' Genomic Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Organizational Support: A Comparative Secondary Analysis of Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice Survey Data

Abstract

Aim: Identify similarities and differences in genomics-informed nursing across five countries to support the development of actionable interventions that will facilitate the implementation of genomics in nursing practice and education globally. Introduction: The integration of genomics in nursing practice and education is a global challenge which can be addressed through effective policy and leadership that guide the integration of genomics into education and practice. In this study, cross-country comparisons were conducted using secondary data derived from studies that employed the Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice Survey (GGNPS). This approach enabled us to analyze results accumulated over a 12-year period and describe global trends in the development of genomic competencies within the nursing workforce. Identifying global trends in the development of genomic competencies and support within the nursing workforce could help unify efforts to strengthen cross-country collaboration and address this long-standing challenge. Methods: A comparative secondary analysis of the data from 10 studies that used the Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice Survey (GGNPS) and the Canadian Adaptation of the Genetics Genomics Nursing Practice Survey (GGNPS-CA) was conducted between 2013 and 2025. Results: Over the past 12 years, the GGNPS/GGNPS-CA survey results have remained largely unchanged. In all five countries utilizing the instrument, the majority of nurses recognized the importance of genomics. However, most nurses self-rated their knowledge as poor, even with the average knowledge score of 8.62 out of 12. Nurses also consistently reported a lack of support from managers and senior staff for integrating genomics. Conclusion: Nurses were critical or uncertain of their knowledge, and they were not satisfied with the support they received. The similarity in results across the GGNPS/GGNPS-CA surveys reinforces the global nature of nurses' challenges, underscoring the need for innovative educational approaches, strengthened leadership support, and coordinated global collaboration to address these issues. Clinical Relevance: Understanding the international nursing landscape in genomic education, competency, and practice serves as an evidence-based foundation for cross-country collaboration that can focus leadership, education, policies, and research to better support genomics-informed nursing education and practice.