Introduction
Pharmacogenomics is an exciting and rapidly expanding field that emphasizes providing personalized medicine based on an individual’s genetic makeup. To create treatments and dosages that are both effective and safe for a given individual, pharmacogenomics merges pharmacology (the study of pharmaceuticals) with genomics (the study of genes and their roles) (Genetics Home Reference, 2018). However, not everyone responds the same way to the “one size fits all” approach used by many presently available medications (Genetics Home Reference, 2018). The article I read emphasized the need for nurses to be knowledgeable about the effects of customized medicine and effective advocates for their patients.
Pharmacogenomics
It is important to know that for various diseases and therapy such as cancer, the progression is affected by genetic and genomic testing. Genetic analysis may be used to gauge the progression of diseases and predict patient outcomes (Bilkey et al., 2019, p. 1). By examining how genetic variations influence drug metabolism, pharmacological response, and adverse reactions, healthcare providers can develop tailored treatment plans that are both effective and safe. This personalized approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Nurses play a vital role in gathering data for the extensive risk assessment procedure. Genetic nurses are responsible for gathering patient medical history, doing physical exams, providing genetic counseling, and carrying out any necessary genetic or genomic tests (Middleton et al., 2022). When all of these statistics are put together, people can get a better idea of the cancer risks people face as a whole (Bilkey et al., 2019). A nurse’s position is clarified since patients, and their loved ones may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information provided. To be effective in our role as patient advocates, we need to have a thorough understanding of cancer and other chronic diseases so that we can provide our patients with the most up-to-date, relevant information possible.
In light of recent developments in genetics and genomics, it is important to reflect on the moral and ethical questions that these fields raise. Maintaining a patient’s right to privacy and secrecy when it comes to their genetic information is crucial (Bilkey et al., 2019, p. 7). Thus, having too much knowledge is frightening. If possible hereditary disorders are discovered, people may have trouble being covered by insurance. Others might choose not to share this information with their employers. Consequently, nurses must protect their patient’s confidentiality by not sharing their health records without their permission. Another ethical consideration is the potential for unequal access to personalized medicine. As genetic testing becomes more commonplace, it is essential to ensure that all patients, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, have access to personalized treatment plans. This requires a concerted effort to develop policies and practices that promote equitable access to genetic testing and personalized medicine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pharmacogenomics is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic makeup. Nurses play a critical role in this process by gathering patient data, providing genetic counseling, and advocating for their patients. However, as genetics and genomics advance, ethical and moral considerations must be taken into account, particularly about patient privacy and confidentiality. Healthcare providers must continue to prioritize patient autonomy and informed consent in the context of genetic testing and personalized medicine.
References
Bilkey, G. A., Burns, B. L., Coles, E. P., Bowman, F. L., Beilby, J. P., Pachter, N. S., Baynam, G., J. S. Dawkins, H., Nowak, K. J., & Weeramanthri, T. S. (2019). Genomic testing for human health and disease across the life cycle: Applications and ethical, legal, and social challenges. Frontiers in Public Health, 7. Web.
Middleton, A., Taverner, N., Houghton, C., Smithson, S., Balasubramanian, M., & Elmslie, F. (2022). Scope of professional roles for genetic counselors and clinical geneticists in the United Kingdom. European Journal of Human Genetics, 31(1), 9–12. Web.
Genetics Home Reference. (2018). What is pharmacogenomics? Web.