Researchers from QUT have secured $984,737.55 through the 2024 MRFF Genomics Health Futures Fund to enhance the uptake of clinical genomics into practice.
The project, led by Professor Kim Alexander from the QUT School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, seeks to enable nurses to facilitate access to genetic and genomic testing for people affected by cancer, using a practical compendium of resources co-created with nurses, consumers, genetic specialists, doctors, allied health professionals, learning designers and implementation scientists.
"The core of this project is the co-design and evaluation of the Nursing Compendium for Genomic-Informed Care (NGenCare), a practical resource suite tailored to guide nurses," Professor Alexander said.
"It may lead to more personalised treatments, improved patient experiences and reduced health disparities.
"Furthermore, it may improve healthcare efficiency and sustainability by freeing up specialised genomics services for complex cases and emerging advancements."
While genomics offers significant potential for improved healthcare, its capability is said to be hampered by a lack of workforce capacity, particularly among nurses who are crucial for delivering accessible and equitable care.
This project looks to tackle this issue by enabling the nursing workforce to use genomics in cancer care, recognising their pivotal role as a trusted and accessible point of contact for patients.
"Genomics promises better healthcare, but access is challenging," she said.
"By working across multiple Queensland Health services and focusing on nurses, who comprise a significant portion of the healthcare workforce, this project has the potential to create a more effective and equitable cancer care system."
The QUT research team comprises chief investigators Professor Alexander, Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates, Professor Jed Duff, Dr Wei Hong Liu, all from the Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Dr Morgan Farley and Dr Brighid Scanlon from the School of Nursing, and Professor Steven McPhail, from the School of Public Health and Social Work and Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI).
Associate Professor Amanda Fox from the School of Nursing, and Dr Thomasina Donovan, a research fellow from the School of Public Health and Social Work and AusHSI, are associate investigators.
Other chief investigators involved with the project are Adjunct Associate Professor Michael Smith (Cancer Services, Metro North Health), Professor Julie McGaughran (Genetic Health Queensland/University of Queensland), Makala Castelli (Consumer Representative), Associate Professor David Wyld (Cancer Services, Metro North Health), Dr Sandy Minck (Consumer Representative), Jacinta Smith (Consumer Representative) and Dr Saras Menon (Office of Research and Innovation, Queensland Health).
Other associate investigators are Dr Chirag Patel (Genetic Health Queensland), Dr Fallon Noon (Genetic Health Queensland), Raden Sucalit (Clinical Skills Development Service, Metro North Health), Belinda Faulkner (Clinical Skills Development Service, Metro North Health), Associate Professor Glen Kennedy (Clinical Planning and Service Strategy Division, Queensland Health), Associate Professor Laurelie Wishart (Allied Health, Metro North Health/Griffith University), Dr Helen Wright (James Cook University), Adjunct Professor Alanna Geary (Office of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Metro North Health) and Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan (QUT).
Main photo (left to right): Dr Wei Hong Liu, Professor Jed Duff, Professor Kim Alexander, Professor Steven McPhail, Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates and Dr Morgan Farley
Inset (top to bottom): Associate Professor Amanda Fox, Dr Brighid Scanlon and Dr Thomasina Donovan
