Introduction to Genetic and Genomic Healthcare
Genetic and genomic healthcare have a substantial role in defining health and diseases. Despite the two concept’s differences, their techniques and technologies have resulted in increased health awareness, timely diagnosis and intervention, and early treatments. Whereas genetic and genomic healthcare sound alike and are usually employed interchangeably, vital distinctions make each one of them unique, particularly in regards to health and diseases.
Understanding the Difference in Genetic and Genomic Healthcare
Genetic and genomic healthcare are distinct health aspects that are often invalidly utilized interchangeably. In their definition, genetic signifies the exploration of heredity while genomic describes the analysis of the genome, the interaction of genes, their roles, and techniques (McCormick & Calzone, 2016). According to the definitions, the primary distinction is that genetic healthcare examines the functioning and configuration of individual genes. In contrast, genomic healthcare focuses on scrutinizing all human genes and their correlation to ascertain their joint effect on the evolution of an organism (WHO, n.d.). Understanding these differences is essential in helping individuals and families to learn about hereditary diseases, screening options, and treatment.
Nurse Involvement in Genetic and Genomic-based Approaches and Technologies
Nurses play a significant role in all aspects of healthcare systems. Calzone et al. (2010) established that nurses are well-positioned to integrate genetic and genomic techniques and to complement the works of other practitioners. Nurses’ involvement includes gathering family health records, procuring informed agreement for genetic screening, and overseeing gene-based treatments (Calzone et al., 2010). Moreover, nurse’s knowledgeable regarding genetics, and genomic approaches help individuals, families, and the community to avoid health disorders and far-reaching illnesses and mortality, and ensure that the techniques do not increase ethnic health discrepancies (Calzone et al., 2010). Nurse involvement is pivotal in enhancing quality health for all people.
Genetic and genomic healthcare are distinct but essential aspects of defining health and diseases relating to a person’s genes. The concepts’ related approaches and techniques enhance nurses’ ability to offer quality care. Thus, despite their differences, genetic and genomic healthcare are vital in improving various aspects of healthcare, such as diagnosis and treatment.