TY - JOUR
T1 - Improving -Omics-Based Research and Precision Health in Minority Populations
T2 - Recommendations for Nurse Scientists
AU - Taylor, Jacquelyn Y.
AU - Barcelona de Mendoza, Veronica
N1 - Funding Information:
There is a cadre of nurse scientists currently conducting research in genetics-genomics, and some of their research is funded by the National Institutes of Nursing Research (NINR; Williams, Tripp-Reimer, Daack-Hirsch, & DeBerg, 2016). Nurse scientists are well positioned to conduct research that can contribute to the PMI, including work on improving risk assessment, efficacy of drug treatment and self-management, and advocating for equal access to -omic technologies for vulnerable populations, which are key strategic areas for nurses in the future (Williams, Katapodi, et al., 2016). Studies in the areas of genetics-genomics and health disparities have also been prioritized as an area of high importance for nurse researchers (Genomic Nursing State of the Science Advisory Panel et al., 2013).
Funding Information:
Starkweather, A., University of Connecticut; Bakken, S., Columbia University; Page, G., Johns Hopkins University; Waldrop-Valverde, D., Emory University; Docherty, S., Duke University; Moore, S., Case Western Reserve University; Miyong, K., University of Texas Austin; Dorsey, S., University of Maryland; Redeker, N., Yale School of Nursing; Guthrie, B., Northeastern University; Kelechi, T., University of South Carolina; and many others Corwin, E., Fitzpatrick, A., & Xaio, C., Emory University; Cresci, S., & Heitkemper, M., University of Washington; Groer, M., University of South Florida; Holman, A., UC-Irvine; Taylor, J., Yale School of Nursing; and many others aAouizerat, B., NYU; aConley, Y., University of Pittsburgh; Zhang, C., Rush University; and others Allen, J., Johns Hopkins University; Bakken, S., & Larson, E., Columbia University; Dunbar, S., Emory University; Hodge, F., UCLA; Portillo, C., UCSF; and many others Spruill-Johnson, I., University of South Carolina; Gill, J., NINR intramural; Taylor, J.,Yale School of Nursing Note. P20, P30, and T32 information is from the NINR website: https://www.ninr.nih.gov/researchandfunding/funded-ninr-grants-collaborative-activities. NINR = National Institutes of Nursing Research; PECASE = Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers; PI = principal investigator. aAlthough these PIs are not nurses, they have contributed significantly to the inclusion and advancement of nurse scientists in -omics research.
Funding Information:
One example of the lack of diversity in genetic and genomic studies is that of consortia, which are an effective way to pool the large number of participants necessary for genetic studies. Genetic and genomic consortia have few ethnic minority nurse scientists in the role of PI. Further, these consortia collaborate on studies in major metropolitan and urban areas in the United States (i.e., Boston, Dallas, Detroit), yet despite the high proportion of minority communities in these cities, Black and Latino participant representation in these studies is low. For example, the Clinical Sequencing and Exploratory Research consortia are an ongoing group of studies that examine the use of genome sequencing in populations across the United States (Green et al., 2016). Diversity is lacking in genome sequencing, and many factors may contribute to this phenomenon, such as lack of outreach to minority groups, lack of minority investigators, and disconnect between institutions funded and surrounding communities of need (Green et al., 2016). Because of this lack of diversity, the renewal grant program announcement released by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) now requires that a certain percentage of enrolled participants come from underrepresented minority groups. We recognize the leadership of the NIH for taking such a stand for diversity among participant groups. In the future, forward progress should extend to team composition to develop truly multidisciplinary teams with underrepresented minority scientists (particularly nurse scientists) from various backgrounds contributing to the conceptualization and leadership of such studies to aid in overall successful outcomes.
Funding Information:
This work was funded by: NIH/NINR (R01NR013520).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Sigma Theta Tau International
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the role of nurse scientists in -omics-based research and to promote discussion around the conduct of -omics-based nursing research in minority communities. Nurses are advocates, educators, practitioners, scientists, and researchers, and are crucial to the design and successful implementation of -omics studies, particularly including minority communities. The contribution of nursing in this area of research is crucial to reducing health disparities. Methods: In this article, challenges in the conduct of -omics-based research in minority communities are discussed, and recommendations for improving diversity among nurse scientists, study participants, and utilization of training and continuing education programs in -omics are provided. Findings and Conclusions: Many opportunities exist for nurses to increase their knowledge in -omics and to continue to build the ranks of nurse scientists as leaders in -omics-based research. In order to work successfully with communities of color, nurse scientists must advocate for participation in the Precision Medicine Initiative, improve representation of nurse faculty of color, and increase utilization of training programs in -omics and lead such initiatives. Clinical Relevance: All nursing care has the potential to be affected by the era of -omics and precision health. By taking an inclusive approach to diversity in nursing and -omics research, nurses will be well placed to be leaders in reducing health disparities through research, practice, and education.
AB - Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the role of nurse scientists in -omics-based research and to promote discussion around the conduct of -omics-based nursing research in minority communities. Nurses are advocates, educators, practitioners, scientists, and researchers, and are crucial to the design and successful implementation of -omics studies, particularly including minority communities. The contribution of nursing in this area of research is crucial to reducing health disparities. Methods: In this article, challenges in the conduct of -omics-based research in minority communities are discussed, and recommendations for improving diversity among nurse scientists, study participants, and utilization of training and continuing education programs in -omics are provided. Findings and Conclusions: Many opportunities exist for nurses to increase their knowledge in -omics and to continue to build the ranks of nurse scientists as leaders in -omics-based research. In order to work successfully with communities of color, nurse scientists must advocate for participation in the Precision Medicine Initiative, improve representation of nurse faculty of color, and increase utilization of training programs in -omics and lead such initiatives. Clinical Relevance: All nursing care has the potential to be affected by the era of -omics and precision health. By taking an inclusive approach to diversity in nursing and -omics research, nurses will be well placed to be leaders in reducing health disparities through research, practice, and education.
KW - Genomics
KW - minority health
KW - nursing
KW - precision medicine
KW - underserved populations
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U2 - 10.1111/jnu.12358
DO - 10.1111/jnu.12358
M3 - Article
C2 - 29140597
AN - SCOPUS:85034223841
VL - 50
SP - 11
EP - 19
JO - Journal of Nursing Scholarship
JF - Journal of Nursing Scholarship
SN - 1527-6546
IS - 1
ER -