Kendra Schaa - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Kendra Schaa

Genetics in Medicine, Dec 1, 2014

To the Editor: The authors of "Delivery of Clinical Genetic Consultative Services in the Veterans... more To the Editor: The authors of "Delivery of Clinical Genetic Consultative Services in the Veterans Health Administration" 1 and the invited commentary by Venne and Meyer 2 in the August 2014 issue highlight the need to educate Veterans Affairs (VA) providers on genetics knowledge and the availability of genetic services. The issue of genomic literacy surfaces at a critical time within the Veterans Health Administration. In 2006, then Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson initiated the VA's Genomic Medicine Program and established a Genomic Medicine Program Advisory Committee sponsored and managed by the Office of Research and Development. As part of the VA's Genomic Medicine Program, the Genomic Medicine Service continues to expand clinical genomic services. Under the research branch of the Genomic Medicine Program, the Million Veteran Program advances toward the goal of enrolling 1 million veteran volunteers. The Million Veteran Program will pave the way toward personalized medicine by creating a longitudinal cohort for genetic and health-related research. These developments reinforce the need for VA providers to understand genomics in the context of both research and clinical care. Specifically, we must identify patients who may benefit from the clinical guidance offered by genetic services and encourage participation in genomic research studies. Although physicians' genomics knowledge is integral to this discussion, the need for genomics education for other healthcare professionals cannot be understated. Because nurses represent the nation's largest health-care profession and make up the Veterans Health Administration's largest clinical workforce, with more than 60,000 registered nurses, it seems timely to direct genomics education toward this discipline. Essential genetic and genomic competencies were established for all registered nurses and for those at the graduate level in 2009 and 2011, respectively, and have since been endorsed by professional nursing organizations. Nevertheless, many nurses have limited genomics knowledge because of the absence of readily available academic and continuing genomics education. Furthermore, there is a lack of academic faculty and clinicians with knowledge of and clinical expertise in genomics. 3 Contributing to this knowledge and practice gap is the fact that demonstration of genomic competencies is not a visible component of mandatory evaluations of registered nurses' competency in clinical practice. In 2011, the VA Office of Nursing Services and VA Office of Research and Development led a definitive effort toward

Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing, Jun 1, 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundNurses lack genome literacy, skill, and self‐confidence in applying genomics to... more ABSTRACTBackgroundNurses lack genome literacy, skill, and self‐confidence in applying genomics to health care. Standardized curricula and evaluation tools are needed for wide spread uptake and application of genome science in nursing education, practice, and research.AimTo determine whether psychometrically robust survey instruments exist to assess knowledge, skills, attitudes, and self‐confidence in applying genomic nursing competency among students and registered nurses.DesignPsychometric systematic review.Data SourcesMedline, CINAHL, Academic Search Elite, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations were searched from 1995 to 2014, with an English language restriction.ProceduresCritical analysis of the study elements and psychometric attributes was conducted after data were abstracted into analysis and synthesis tables. The synthesis assessed the design, methods, and measurement properties with a focus on reliability and validity using 16 criteria on a 4‐point grading scale.FindingsTwelve studies were included in a detailed review that focused on assessment of genomic nursing core competencies. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. In terms of psychometric quality of the instruments, one study scored high, two moderate, two low, and one very low.Linking Evidence to ActionMost instruments assess self‐perceived rather than objectively assessed competency. The highest quality instrument lacks clinical application. Knowledge‐focused test questions based on up‐to‐date genome science that are relevant to practice need to be developed.

Journal of Nursing Administration, 2017

The Journal of nursing administration, 2017

Nurses must have appropriate knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective nursing care in r... more Nurses must have appropriate knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective nursing care in recognition of evolving science. Knowledge of genomics is required to ensure appropriate referral and education of patients who would benefit from genetic services. This article describes the process the Veterans Healthcare Administration's (VHA's) Office of Nursing Services used to determine the nursing genomic competencies appropriate for VHA nurses and identify available resources for educating nurses on these nursing competencies and a strategic plan for long-term implementation.

Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 2015