Achieving Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Cancer Services: Optimizing the Role of Advanced Practice Nurses at the Core of Precision Health

Abstract

Objectives

The field of oncology has been revolutionized by precision medicine, driven by advancements in molecular and genomic profiling. High-throughput genomic sequencing and non-invasive diagnostic methods have deepened our understanding of cancer biology, leading to personalized treatment approaches. Precision health expands on precision medicine, emphasizing holistic healthcare, integrating molecular profiling and genomics, physiology, behavioral, and social and environmental factors. Precision health encompasses traditional and emerging data, including electronic health records, patient-generated health data, and artificial intelligence-based health technologies. This article aims to explore the opportunities and challenges faced by advanced practice nurses (APNs) within the precision health paradigm.

Methods

We searched for peer-reviewed and professional relevant studies and articles on advanced practice nursing, oncology, precision medicine and precision health, and symptom science.

Results

APNs’ roles and competencies align with the core principles of precision health, allowing for personalized interventions based on comprehensive patient characteristics. We identified educational needs and policy gaps as limitations faced by APNs in fully embracing precision health.

Conclusion

APNs, including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, are ideally positioned to advance precision health. Nevertheless, it is imperative to overcome a series of barriers to fully leverage APNs’ potential in this context.

Implications for Nursing Practice

APNs can significantly contribute to precision health through their competencies in predictive, preventive, and health promotion strategies, personalized and collaborative care plans, ethical considerations, and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, there is a need to foster education in genetics and genomics, encourage continuous professional development, and enhance understanding of artificial intelligence-related technologies and digital health. Furthermore, APNs’ scope of practice needs to be reflected in policy making and legislation to enable effective contribution of APNs to precision health.