A multidisciplinary perspective on advancing genomic nursing in Portugal: roles, barriers and system-level solutions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The rapid expansion of genomic science has reshaped healthcare delivery, creating new demands for interdisciplinary collaboration and highlighting the need to integrate genomics into nursing practice and education. This qualitative study explored how multidisciplinary genomic specialists, including medical geneticists, genetic counsellors and nurses, conceptualize nurses’ roles in genomic healthcare and the conditions required for effective integration in Portugal. Two online focus groups (n = 10) were conducted and the data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Through an iterative and interpretive process, three themes capturing patterns of shared meaning were developed: the role of nurses in genomic teams, barriers to integrating genomics in nursing education and practice, and systemic and organizational solutions for genomic integration. Participants viewed nurses as pivotal to ensuring continuity, coordination and person- and family-centered care within genomic pathways. However, integration remains constrained by limited genomic literacy, fragmented educational provision, lack of regulatory recognition and insufficient institutional support. Participants highlighted the need for structured and longitudinal genomic education across undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development levels, supported by clear role delineation, clinical supervision and professional recognition. They also emphasized advocacy and policy alignment as essential to building the infrastructure required for sustainable genomic nursing practice. Advancing nursing genomics in Portugal will require coordinated educational, organizational and regulatory reform, with nurses positioned as key contributors to equitable and person-centered genomic care.
Source: Journal of Community Genetics
Language: English
Topic: Nursing Roles and Practices
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,990
Funders: National Science Foundation, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, James S. McDonnell Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation, World Health Organization, McKnight Foundation, Takeda Science Foundation, Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (COLCIENCIAS), Japan Foundation for Applied Enzymology, Education Department of Hunan Province, Life Sciences Research Foundation, Vehicle Racing Commemorative Foundation, Wellcome Trust, Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, UK Research and Innovation, Searle Scholars Program, Fonds Erasme, Mary Béves Stiftelse för Barncancerforskning, Kyoto University Foundation, William F. Vilas Trust Estate, Health Commission of Hunan Province, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, Fondation Fyssen, Ministero della Salute, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Inamori Foundation, Vetenskapsrådet, Mitsubishi Foundation, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais, Barncancerfonden, Universidade do Porto, Senri Life Science Foundation, Regione Lazio, Gobierno de Aragón, Junta de Extremadura, Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Economic and Social Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Strategic Research Council, Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, Freedom Together Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W7128989606