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Stephanie Kieffer

Publications and source records attributed to Stephanie Kieffer.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Canadian nursing in the genomic era: a call for leadership.

With developments in genomics, there is an urgent need for Canadian nurses in all settings to be informed and involved in the incorporation of this new knowledge into healthcare. The purpose of this paper was to synthesize the literature on genetic nursing roles to provide a foundation for Canadian nursing leaders as they take on the challenges of nursing in the genomic era. A comprehensive review of 98 articles published between 1994 and 2004 revealed strong support for genetic nursing roles and recommendations for levels of genetic nursing practice. The few studies on genetic nursing roles suggested that nurses and other health professionals support the integration of genomics into nursing practice. Issues that need to be addressed related to nursing practice, education and research are offered to engage nursing leaders in advocating for the incorporation of genomics into nursing in Canada.

Canada↗
PubMed2005

Establishing roles in genetic nursing: interviews with Canadian nurses.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe nurses' roles in providing clinical genetic services related to adult onset hereditary disease and factors that influence genetic nursing practice in Canada. The study involved semi-structured telephone interviews with 22 nurses from 5 Canadian provinces with full-time or part-time roles in providing genetic services. The interviews included open-ended questions to elicit descriptions of genetic nursing roles and factors that support and limit opportunities in genetic nursing practice. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed that, in addition to genetic counselling, the nurses reported a wide range of roles and responsibilities related to the provision of genetic services that drew directly on their nursing background (e.g., patient assessment, health promotion). Factors identified as supporting genetic nursing roles included nursing background, being part of a multidisciplinary team, and receiving mentorship. Challenges in establishing roles in genetic nursing were related to role ambiguity, lack of recognition of nursing expertise, limited availability of genetics education, isolation, and instability of nursing positions. Recommendations to support the development and expansion of genetic nursing practice were identified. A coordinated national effort among all stakeholders is needed to provide the resources necessary to support the appropriate and effective use of nursing expertise as genetics is integrated into the Canadian health-care system.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

A multicenter study of supportive-expressive group therapy for women with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations.

BACKGROUND: Women with a BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation experience significant challenges. These include decision-making regarding surgical options and notification to offspring and family, along with a sense of isolation, which may lead to psychological and emotional distress. The current study developed, standardized, and conducted preliminary testing of a supportive-expressive group therapy intervention designed to address these challenges. METHODS: Seventy women with a BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation recruited from familial cancer risk clinics participated in 12 sessions of supportive-expressive group therapy that lasted 6 months. Before and after measures of psychosocial functioning, knowledge, and surveillance/surgery activities were completed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven women completed the intervention. Significant improvements were observed in psychosocial functioning: cancer worries (P = 0.005), anxiety (P = 0.033), and depression (P = 0.015). Knowledge level and surveillance levels were high at baseline and there were no significant changes postintervention. A significant number of women made decisions concerning prophylactic surgery (oophorectomy/mastectomy) during and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of a supportive-expressive group for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers was demonstrated. Findings from the study are consistent with an effective intervention. However, further research is required using a randomized controlled study design.

Adolescent↗