Choose a news story, published within last 2 years, about genetic or genomic technology. What is the issue presented? From the perspective of an RN or APRN, what are the ethical, cultural, religious,

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Introduction:

As a medical professor, it is essential to discuss the ever-evolving field of genetic and genomic technology in the healthcare industry. Genomics technology is rapidly changing healthcare, and its ethical, cultural, legal, fiscal, and societal implications are crucial to be understood by RNs and APRNs. The following section provides detailed answers to the two questions asked in the assignment.

Question 1:

The news story chosen for this assignment is ‘CRISPR used to edit genes inside a patient’s body for the first time.’ (Henderson, 2020). The primary issue presented in this news story is about the first-ever attempt to use the gene-editing tool ‘CRISPR-Cas9’ on a patient directly inside the body. The study took place on a man suffering from Hunter syndrome, caused by a missing gene that causes brain damage and death. Scientists used CRISPR to insert a functional version of the missing gene that would produce the essential enzyme. The CRISPR-cas9 gene was delivered through a lipid nanoparticle, acting as a carrier to get the right cells. The implications of this technology are extensive, including the ethical, cultural, religious, legal, fiscal, and societal implications.

Ethical Implications: This study raises several ethical concerns, including the use of gene-editing tools on human subjects, genetic experiments causing unintended long-term consequences, genetic inequality and discrimination, and implications of hybridization.

Cultural and Religious Implications: Genetic modification is not acceptable to many cultures and religions worldwide, leading to possible controversies about gene-editing technology.

Legal Implications: Regulators need to take into account the ethical and cultural implications surrounding the technology’s use and manage regulations accordingly.

Fiscal Implications: Modifications of human genes are expensive, and the financial implications must be considered, including sustainability and health insurance coverage.

Societal Implications: The use of this technology could disrupt societal norms by expanding the realm of medical treatment possibilities.

Two scholarly sources to support the rationale are:

1. Li, M., Zhao, A., Ren, J., & Quan, H. (2021). Ethical and Social Implications of Gene Editing Technology. Frontiers in Genetics, 11, 647.

2. Kuzma, J. (2018). Regulating Gene Editing and Enhancing. Issues in Science and Technology, 34(2), 54-61.

Question 2:

Two major issues that undermine clients’ rights to make genetic and genomic-related decisions and take action are the lack of awareness about the disease and its genetic implications and insufficient access to genetic and genomic counseling. The role of the patient advocate is vital in both situations.

Lack of awareness about genetic implications: Patients often do not understand the genetic consequences of their disease or treatment options. Therefore, providing patients’ comprehensive education or engaging them in genetic counseling before undergoing procedures is essential.

Insufficient access to genetic and genomic counseling: Healthcare providers must be educated and trained to engage appropriately in genetic counseling. Patients must be provided with adequate opportunities to receive the correct information and navigate their individual genetic risks and benefits.

Two scholarly sources to support the rationale are:

1. Overby, C. L., Tarczy-Hornoch, P., Hoath, J. I., Kalet, I. J., Veenstra, D. L., & Hsu, C. (2019). An interactive, Web-based tool to support genomics-related decision making in breast cancer survivorship care. Public Health Genomics, 22(1-2), 9-18.

2. Daack-Hirsch, S., Kline, M., Roe, M., & Tang, X. (2019). Genetic Counselors as Patient Advocates in Oncology Settings. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 37(3), 355-366.

Conclusion:

As the medical field advances with genetic and genomic technology, the importance of understanding the ethical, cultural, legal, fiscal, and societal implications of its use is paramount. Additionally, it is crucial to identify barriers that undermine medicine’s ability to fulfill its obligations to provide adequate counseling or education to all stakeholders regarding the genetic and genomic implications of medical procedures. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize understanding these issues and discussing potential solutions while considering the role of the patient advocate.