Pharmacogenomics And Chronic Disorders Of Most Interest

pharmacogenomics And Chronic Disorders Were Most Interest

Octavia Henry pharmacogenomics and chronic disorders were most interesting while considering the topics for this week. I looked up the phrase in several literature sources because I was unfamiliar with it. I discovered that pharmacogenomics is the study of a patient's response to medication depending on their genes by combining genetics and pharmacology (What Oncology Nurses Need to Know About Pharmacogenomics, n.d.). Having a more individualized, targeted therapy for patients may help lower total expenses, which makes this a crucial idea given the rising cost of healthcare. Mehrian-Shai & Reichardt discovered a significant increase in cost as we approach the end of life, suggesting that a personal preventive approach may be helpful toward a more sustainable future.

In the field of cardiology, there are several chronic illnesses that we help manage daily, so I looked specifically for articles related to them. I was able to find a fascinating article that comprises pharmacogenomics and hypertension. This study aimed to review current hypertensive drugs, their effectiveness, and what's to come (Oliveira-Paula et al., 2019). The most commonly utilized medications used to treat hypertension are diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers, and these groups were the ones selected. Although we already identified that certain medications are maybe less effective in specific races, this study looked specifically into genetic polymorphisms and blood pressure responses for each group of drugs identified earlier.

Overall, the study identified several inconsistencies in the findings but supported the idea that the review comprises valuable genetic information for future research in pharmacogenomics and hypertension (Oliveira-Paula et al., 2019). I believe this topic is essential in my practice because nurses are also knowledgeable in pharmacology and understand what meds can be suggested because they might work better for the patient. Part of being a good advocate as a nurse for your patient is, at times, offering different options because working as a team and bouncing off ideas may help the patient achieve better results, especially when managing a chronic disease, and so many options might have been used already.

The first thing that comes to mind about the ethical implications of genetic testing has to do with access. Like many healthcare things, new therapies/ procedures such as genetic testing are expensive. Although there are currently online options, those results are sent straight to the client without any provider to review the results. This provides a high risk for misinterpretation of results, privacy, and security concerns (Beery & Smith, 2011). And, if in our days so many patients base their requests based on Google searches, one can imagine what not controlled results of genetic testing can lead to.

References Beery, T., & Smith, C. R. (2011). Genetics/genomics advances to influence care for patients with chronic disease. Rehabilitation Nursing, 36(2), 54–59. Mehrian-Shai, R., & Reichardt, J. V. (2015). Genomics is changing personal healthcare and medicine: The dawn of iph (individualized preventive healthcare). Human Genomics, 9(1). Oliveira-Paula, G. H., Pereira, S. C., Tanus-Santos, J. E., & Lacchini, R. (2019). Pharmacogenomics and hypertension: Current insights. Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, 12, 341–359. What oncology nurses need to know about pharmacogenomics. (n.d.). ONS Voice.

Paper For Above instruction

Pharmacogenomics is an emerging field at the intersection of genetics and pharmacology, focusing on how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to medications. Its application in managing chronic disorders offers a promising avenue for personalized medicine, aiming to optimize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects and healthcare costs (What Oncology Nurses Need to Know About Pharmacogenomics, n.d.). This approach aligns with the broader goal of precision medicine, which tailors healthcare interventions based on genetic insights, thus enhancing efficacy and safety in treatment plans (Mehrian-Shai & Reichardt, 2015).

In chronic disease management, especially within cardiology, pharmacogenomics has demonstrated significant potential. For example, hypertension—a prevalent chronic condition—has been a focus of pharmacogenomic research. Oliveira-Paula et al. (2019) conducted a comprehensive review of hypertensive medications, including diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers, examining how genetic polymorphisms affect individual responses. The study revealed inconsistencies yet underscored the importance of genetic information in predicting drug efficacy and tailoring treatment strategies. Recognizing genetic variations that influence drug metabolism and response can help clinicians select the most effective medication for each patient, reducing trial-and-error prescribing and improving blood pressure control (Oliveira-Paula et al., 2019).

From a nursing practice perspective, understanding pharmacogenomics enhances our role as patient advocates and care coordinators. Nurses are often the primary health professionals to assess, educate, and advocate for patients regarding medication management. They can utilize genetic information to explain personalized treatment options, support informed decision-making, and monitor for adverse reactions. The integration of pharmacogenomics into nursing care requires nurses to stay informed about genetic testing options, interpret results accurately, and communicate implications clearly. Furthermore, nursing advocacy extends to promoting equitable access to genetic testing and therapies, addressing disparities and ensuring all patients benefit from advances in genomic medicine (Kilkku & Halkoaho, 2022).

Ethical considerations surrounding pharmacogenomics are complex and critical for nursing practice. Cost and access are primary concerns, as genetic testing can be expensive and not universally covered by insurance. The proliferation of direct-to-consumer genetic testing introduces risks of misinterpretation and privacy breaches without professional guidance (Beery & Smith, 2011). Nurses must ensure patients receive accurate information about the benefits, limitations, and potential risks of genetic testing, advocating for informed consent and confidentiality. Additionally, issues of genetic discrimination—where individuals could face bias based on their genetic predispositions—necessitate vigilance and policy advocacy to protect patient rights. The ethical imperative for nurses is to promote responsible use of genetic information, ensuring it serves to improve health outcomes without infringing on individual privacy or fostering discrimination.

In conclusion, pharmacogenomics holds transformative potential in managing chronic disorders, offering personalized treatment strategies that improve efficacy and safety. The nursing role is vital in integrating genetic insights into clinical care, advocating for ethical practices, and ensuring equitable access to genomic medicine. As the field continues to evolve, nurses must remain committed to lifelong learning in genomics and uphold ethical principles to enhance patient outcomes in chronic disease management effectively.

References

  • Beery, T., & Smith, C. R. (2011). Genetics/genomics advances to influence care for patients with chronic disease. Rehabilitation Nursing, 36(2), 54–59.
  • Kilkku, N., & Halkoaho, A. (2022). Informed consent, genomic research, and mental health: A integrative review. Nursing Ethics, 29(4), 973–987.
  • Mehrian-Shai, R., & Reichardt, J. V. (2015). Genomics is changing personal healthcare and medicine: The dawn of IPH. Human Genomics, 9(1).
  • Oliveira-Paula, G. H., Pereira, S. C., Tanus-Santos, J. E., & Lacchini, R. (2019). Pharmacogenomics and hypertension: Current insights. Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, 12, 341–359.
  • What oncology nurses need to know about pharmacogenomics. (n.d.). ONS Voice.
  • Gaskin, D. J., Thorpe, R. J., McGinty, E. E., Bower, K., Rohde, C., Young, J. H., LaVeist, T. A., & Dubay, L. (2014). Disparities in diabetes: The nexus of race, poverty, and place. American Journal of Public Health, 104(1), 2147–2155.
  • Shaw, R. J., McDuffie, J. R., Hendrix, C. C., Edie, A., Lindsey-Davis, L., Nagi, A., Kosinski, A. S., & Williams, J. W. (2014). Effects of nurse-managed protocols in the outpatient management of adults with chronic conditions. Annals of Internal Medicine, 161(2), 113–121.
  • International Society of Nurses in Genetics. (n.d.).
  • American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Genetics and personalized medicine.
  • Russ Altman: TEDxStanford. (n.d.). Personalization in medicine: The future of healthcare.

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