Quannetta T. Edwards

Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes of Advanced Practice Nursing Students Regarding Medical Genetics

Purpose To describe the current medical genetic knowledge and perceptions of graduate advanced practice nursing (advanced practice nurse [APN]/nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist) students using survey data for future integration of genetic topics, principles, and healthcare issues into curriculum. Data sources Survey data of APNs’ perceived knowledge of genetics and a review of the literature from past research studies of students and current articles from professional journals and organizations. Web sites were those of the National Coalition of Health Professions for Education in Genetics and National Institutes of Health, Human Genome Research Institute; professional organizations; and the authors’ professional, clinical, and educational experiences. Conclusions Most APN students perceived they had minimum knowledge and prior training regarding medical genetics. There is a need to integrate genetic concepts, principles, and medical conditions into advanced practice nursing curriculum and to provide clinical experiences in genetic conditions across the life span and throughout the health and illness spectrum. APN students have positive attitudes toward integrating genetics into graduate curricula. Potential methods for program integration include readings, small group discussion, standardized patients, and role‐play as measures to increase information. Implications for practice The National Coalition for Health Profession Education in Genetics, the American Nursing Association, and the American College of Nursing Education have recommended integration of genetics knowledge and skills into routine health care to provide effective interventions for individuals and families. However, previous research and data from this study have revealed that many nurses have minimal training in genetics. Advanced practice nurses must be knowledgeable on genetic principles, topics, and the ethical, legal, and social implications related to medical genetics to increase the ability to diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases and to provide effective care for individuals and families.

What's cooking with garlic: is this complementary and alternative medicine for hypertension?

Purpose To define complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); describe one type of CAM, garlic (Allium sativum L); and discuss its effects on blood pressure as a treatment for hypertension. Data sources Literature review from professional journals, abstracts, natural therapy books, and the World Wide Web (Internet). Information from the following professional organizations and agencies: The World Health Organization, Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, American Botanical Council, and Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Conclusion Garlic is widely used throughout the world as a CAM. It is one of the most popular herbal products sold in the United States. However, while some studies have shown small positive effects in reducing blood pressure, there are insufficient scientific data to draw conclusions regarding its efficacy on clinical blood pressure outcomes. Thus, healthcare providers should be cautious in recommending this herbal product as an antihypertensive CAM. Implications for practice CAMs may be used by clients for a variety of conditions including hypertension. Healthcare providers must be cognizant of the use, efficacy, adverse affects, and scientific evidence concerning CAM in order to provide safe and effective practice as well as appropriate and accurate information to their clients.

5-years later - have faculty integrated medical genetics into nurse practitioner curriculum?

Abstract Many genetic/genomic educational opportunities are available to assist nursing faculty in their knowledge and understanding of genetic/genomics. This study was conducted to assess advance practice nursing faculty members’ current knowledge of medical genetics/genomics, their integration of genetics/genomics content into advance practice nursing curricula, any prior formal training/education in genetics/genomics, and their comfort level in teaching genetics/genomic content. A secondary aim was to conduct a comparative analysis of the 2010 data to a previous study conducted in 2005, to determine changes that have taken place during that time period. During a national nurse practitioner faculty conference, 85 nurse practitioner faculty voluntarily completed surveys. Approximately 70% of the 2010 faculty felt comfortable teaching basic genetic/genomic concepts compared to 50% in 2005. However, there continue to be education gaps in the genetic/genomic content taught to advance practice nursing students. If nurses are going to be a crucial member of the health-care team, they must achieve the requisite competencies to deliver the increasingly complex care patients require.

Patterns of regular use of mammography—Body weight and ethnicity: The Multiethnic Cohort

Purpose: To describe the association between body mass index (BMI) and frequency of regular mammography over an approximate 6‐year period after controlling for the influence of demographic factors, behavioral factors, and medical history. This association was examined overall and by race/ethnicity in a multiethnic cohort of women including African American, Japanese American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and non‐Hispanic White women. Data source: Analysis of 81,722 women from the Hawaii and Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) using unconditional logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between BMI and regular annual or biennial (every 1–2 years) mammography overall and by race/ethnicity. Results: Overall, 36% of MEC women reported regular annual mammography over an approximate 6‐year period of follow‐up. African American, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian women had significantly lower annual and biennial mammography use compared to White women even after controlling for age, education, family history, BMI, menopausal status, and hormone therapy. Women who were overweight (OR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.92–1.01) or obese (OR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.84–0.93) were less likely to have regular annual mammography compared to women of normal weight. Similar findings were noted among women who had mammograms every 1–2 years (biennial). Conclusions: BMI is associated with the frequency of regular annual and biennial mammography in multiethnic women, especially among women who are overweight and obese. Implications for practice: Culturally sensitive educational strategies that promote healthy behaviors toward regular mammography and maintenance of normal BMI are warranted.