The introduction of mainstream genomic testing for variants in cancer predisposition genes creates opportunities to reduce patient waiting time, save costs and provide better continuity of care.
The term ‘mainstreaming’, in this context, describes pre-test counselling and consent processes being undertaken at the point of care by a member of the clinical cancer team caring for the patient.
In response to this, a portfolio of tumour-specific mainstreaming competencies for nurses in oncology is being created. Lynch syndrome (colorectal and endometrial) and breast cancer have been completed, with more cancer types to come, including ovarian, lung and prostate.
For more information about these competencies, how they were developed and how they can be used, please see the FAQs below.
Note: the project team are keen to hear your comments and feedback on these competencies. We are also keen to hear from nurses who would like to contribute to this work. Please contact Siobhan John and Tracie Miles.
Frequently asked questions
What are the aims of the frameworks?
The competency frameworks describe the suggested knowledge, skills and attitudes required by specialist nurses delivering genomic testing within mainstream cancer pathways and the associated learning to meet these.
These competencies complement the 2023 Genomic Competency Framework for UK Nurses, developed by the formerly Health Education England (now NHS England) Genomics Education Programme.
Who is this for?
This resource has been created for specialist cancer nurses with advanced communication skills. It can also be used by other members of the senior clinical cancer team, such as surgeons and oncologists, as a guide to identify gaps in learning.
How do I use the frameworks?
The competency frameworks have been designed to support nurses involved in mainstreaming genomic testing into oncology pathways. They can be used as a tool to assess competence if used as part of training with a competent mainstream nurse or genetic counsellor mentor.
Furthermore, they can be used as a guide for cancer nurse specialists or members of the core cancer clinical team to identify learning needs. Cancer team educators may also find them useful to train multidisciplinary team members.
These competencies have been mapped to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)’s standards of proficiency for registered nurses and are intended to be used as a virtual document to guide the learning required to achieve competence in mainstreaming. Links are embedded within the framework linking to relevant resources.
It is important to note that using the framework alone is not sufficient for a nurse working within a mainstream setting to deem themselves competent.
Why were the frameworks developed?
These competencies were developed in response to continued requests from cancer nurses and their leaders to provide evidence of an appropriate level of competence to undertake mainstreaming.
They also support the NMC standards of proficiency and NHS England’s Accelerating genomic medicine in the NHS to help achieve the ambitions of NHS Long Term Plan.
Who developed the frameworks?
To develop the resources, working groups were established with membership from:
- Central and South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA)
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- South East GMSA
- South West GMSA
- NHS England Genomics Education Programme
- NHS England Lead Genomic Nurse for Cancer and Rare Diseases
- North West GMSA
- University of West of England
Will the frameworks be updated?
Yes, this is the first iteration of the resource. Any feedback you can provide from your use of the resource is welcomed. Please contact Siobhan John and Tracie Miles.
Have they been peer reviewed?
The formal peer review report forms a postgraduate dissertation due for publication in spring 2025.
The multi-agency working group welcomed the support of the NHS England Lead Genomic Nurse for Cancer and Rare Diseases and NHS England (formerly Health Education England)’s Genomics Education Programme in sharing the resource among colleagues in the Genomic Medicine Service.
Does this resource have any conflicts of interest?
This resource does not conflict with legislation or regulatory guidance. It has been developed by publicly funded bodies with no conflicts of interest.
